Improved Plantation Performance Enables RM4.62 Million Payout to Eastern Region Settlers

25 January 2026

SANDAKAN: The Sabah State Land Development Board (LKTNS) has distributed surplus income totalling RM4.62 million for the year 2025 to 300 settlers in the Eastern Region, reflecting improved performance in plantation management and palm oil production in the area.

The symbolic presentation of the surplus income was officiated by LKTNS Chairman Datuk Abdul Ghani Mohamad Yassin, who is also the State Assemblyman (ADUN) for N.46 Nabawan, together with LKTNS General Manager Datuk Syaheddrul R Joddari. The event was witnessed by the State Assemblyman for N.51 Sungai Manila, Hazem Mubarak Tun Musa, at the Sungai Manila Plantation Office here on Saturday.

Of the total amount distributed, 184 settlers in Sungai Manila received RM3.3 million, followed by 12 settlers in Suan Lamba who received RM180,000, while settlers in Ulu Dusun received RM280,000. The distribution will be carried out in stages from the end of January to early February 2026.

LKTNS General Manager Datuk Syaheddrul R Joddari said the increase in surplus income was the result of integrated efforts, including more systematic plantation management, effective cost control and a significant increase in plantation yields.

“The average monthly income of settlers for 2025 reached RM1,910, exceeding the target set by LKTNS,” he said.

He added that Fresh Fruit Bunch (FFB) production in the Sandakan and Sukau areas recorded an increase of nearly 18 per cent compared with the previous year, contributing to higher settler incomes.

According to him, the achievement was also driven by continued support from the Federal and State Governments through the provision of RM2.5 million in grants for fertiliser and RM2.36 million for improvements to plantation roads.

“Improved plantation roads have accelerated the transportation of produce to mills, while the use of quality fertiliser has not only reduced settlers’ operating costs but also enhanced the long-term productivity of oil palm trees,” he said.

He stressed that the successful distribution of surplus income demonstrates LKTNS’s commitment to improving the well-being of settlers and strengthening plantation productivity, in line with efforts to empower the rural economy in Sabah’s Eastern Region.

Syaheddrul also expressed hope that the distribution would motivate settlers to continue improving yields and ensure the sustainability of the palm oil industry in the area.