KUANTAN: The Pahang executive council holds the key for the proposed large-scale solar farming project on the former bauxite mining sites at Felda Bukit Goh here.
This is following a meeting held between Pertubuhan Gagasan Dua Generasi, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) based in Bukit Goh entrusted to hold talks on the new project, and Pahang Felda Affairs committee chairman Ir. Razali Kassim on March 30.
A source said based on the outcome of the discussion between the NGO representatives, Razali and several others, there was hope for the solar project to see the light of the day.
"The NGO conducted a detailed presentation on the proposed solar project including the amount the settlers will receive if the project becomes a reality. Those present welcomed the idea and felt it was the most suitable method to solve the idle land issue at Felda Bukit Goh.
"There seems to be no issue but the Pahang executive council will have to discuss and give its approval. Razali will be presenting the project during the executive council meeting which will be chaired by Menteri Besar (Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail)," said the source.
It is learnt that others present during the March 30 meeting were representatives from the Pahang Land and Mines office, state Economic Planning Division officers, Kuantan District and Land office and Felda.
Meanwhile the NGO's chairman Jefri Salim said the matter will be brought to the attention of the state executive council.
"Let's wait for the decision by the state executive council. The settlers hope there will be some good news to bring an end to their eight-year wait," he said when contacted.
It was reported on March 28 that a proposal for a large-scale solar farming project involving an area measuring 1,626 ha (4,020 acres) has been tabled by a Germany-based company to Pertubuhan Gagasan Dua Generasi.
Some 400 settlers, who have conceded defeat to revive bauxite mining activities, are keeping their fingers crossed hoping the Pahang government will approve the proposal to lease their land for the solar farming project.
Bauxite mining was previously halted by a moratorium imposed by the government in 2016 before it was extended on nine occasions and withdrawn on March 31, 2019, but to date, there were no signs that mining works would resume.