PEKAN: Risda, Felda and Felcra should form a business consortium to carry out critical downstream activities, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
He said he was confident that the three agricultural agencies could multiply their profits and eradicate poverty by working together.
“The three remain separate but the projects can be carried out together through a consortium,” said Najib, adding that discussions on setting up the consortium would begin soon.
He said this yesterday after handing out dividends from Risda’s Cluster Replanting Scheme and Commercial Replanting at the Convention Hall here.
Also present were Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob, Rural Development and Regional Minister Datuk Seri Mohd. Shafie Apdal and Risda chairman Tan Sri Rahim Tamby Chik.
Najib said the format of the consortium and its implementation would depend on the outcome of a meeting of the heads of the three agencies.
“If we can set up joint ventures with foreign companies, why not with other government agencies even if they come under the purview of different ministries?
“We have the same objective and the internal strength to control the economy,” said Najib.
He said many downstream activities could be implemented together by the three agencies, including in plantation and industrial plant management, because many of their projects were similar and so need not be carried out separately.
For example, he said, they could set up a palm oil mill, the use of which could be shared by the Felda, Risda and Felcra scheme participants, resulting in bigger economic benefits for all.
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