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DEPUTY Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called for a forensic audit into RM9 billion in losses suffered by the Federal Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (Felda), saying the scale of the losses cannot be tolerated.
He said the investigation must go beyond a routine management audit to determine whether there had been abuse of power, breach of trust or failures to follow proper procedures.
“Felda has faced very serious and long-standing problems. The loss or RM9 billion in losses cannot be tolerated.
“In my view, this responsibility has been taken up by the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) to conduct an investigation, even though the former Felda chairman has already served his sentence.
“However, if there has been abuse of power, breach of trust or failure to follow procedures, in my view, a detailed investigation must be conducted. What is important is that it should not only be a management audit, but a forensic audit must also be carried out,” he said.
Zahid said the government must protect the interests of more than 225,000 Felda settlers, whose livelihoods are linked to the agency.
He stressed, however, that any investigation must be conducted fairly and should not be used to humiliate or unfairly target individuals.
“Certainly, those responsible should be brought to justice if there is strong evidence against them.
“But do not insult, oppress or seek to humiliate any individual, as has been done before,” he said.
He said this when met by reporters after officiating the closing ceremony of the 2026 World Islamic Trade and Tourism Expo (WITEX) and 2026 World Cultural and Arts Festival (WCAF) in Kuala Lumpur today.
The call comes as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim awaits the findings of a special task force investigating Felda, with the report expected to be made public once the probe is completed.
Anwar previously said he was waiting for the full investigation report before announcing its findings.
He had also revealed that Felda was facing losses of almost RM10 billion, which he attributed to mismanagement and excessive political interference.
Anwar said reports received by the government showed that Felda had accumulated nearly RM10 billion in debt, resulting in a substantial financial burden for the government each year.
The proposed forensic audit could provide a more detailed examination of Felda’s financial dealings, governance and decision-making, while determining whether further action should be taken against those found responsible. - August 23, 2026
