BERA -- The announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to give RM5,000 for the wife of each Felda settler following the listing of Felda Global Ventures Holdings (FGVH) on Bursa Malaysia brings cheers to 13,188 Felda settlers' wives in 35 Felda Wilayah Mempaga land schemes here.

What they least expect is for the payment to be made on July 7.

"I thought the windfall for the Felda settlers' wives would be given during the fasting month or before Hari Raya.

"This proves that the Prime Minister is very concern with the settlers' welfare," Zaimah Hussin, 59, from Felda Mayam here told Bernama here today.

She said it also proved that the allegations by the opposition, like the Barisan Nasional (BN) government was lying and Felda was bankrupt, were not true.

She said Felda settlers should be grateful for what they had received so far, like land, house and a lucrative monthly income.

"Now, the RM15,000 windfall from the government," she added.

Sharing Zaimah's views is Shamsiah Awang, 60, from Felda Mengkuang Bera, who said she was going to use the windfall money to increase her investment in Amanah Saham Nasional and also for her medical expenses.

"Life in the Felda land scheme for the past 30 years has been very good. The BN government helps us alot," she added.

Halimatun Saadiah, 65, from Felda Rentam, said she had been to Mecca three times and all her five children were university graduates and holding high posts.

"It is all through income earned as a Felda settler. Hence, we should be thankful to the government.

"Only those who are ungrateful will believe the lies and slander spread by the opposition," she added.