Forensic audit needed to probe Felda governance issues, says Zahid

KUALA LUMPUR — Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi has recommended a forensic audit of Felda to determine whether the federal land authority has experienced any abuse of power or governance lapses. The call underscores growing scrutiny of the state-owned enterprise's administrative and financial practices. Zahid's statement signals the government's willingness to investigate potential irregularities within Felda, which manages vast tracts of agricultural land across Malaysia and oversees the welfare of thousands of settlers. A forensic audit would provide an independent, detailed examination of the organisation's operations, financial records, and decision-making processes. Such audits are typically commissioned when there are concerns about mismanagement, fraud, or breaches of corporate governance standards. The move comes amid broader efforts to strengthen accountability and transparency across Malaysia's public institutions. Felda has long been a significant economic entity, but questions about its operational efficiency and resource management have periodically surfaced. The proposed audit could help clarify the extent of any issues and inform recommendations for institutional reforms.