The distribution of the dividend on a monthly basis to Federal Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (Felcra) participants will apply only to those managing over one hectare.

Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister, Datuk Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub, said almost 50 per cent of the participants were expected to benefit.

Ahmad Jazlan said this in a reply to a question from Paya Besar member of Parliament, Datuk Seri Abdul Manan Ismail, on the dividend payment.

Previously the dividend was distributed three times annually.

However, for those managing less than one hectare, Jazlan said, it was not practical to change from the current format of thrice a year payout.

"Some 50 per cent, or 56,217 participants, manage less than one hectare and receive about RM300 thrice a year and it is not so practical for them to receive a monthly dividend as the amount will be less than RM100 if they were to be paid every month.

"As for the other group managing over an hectare, we are in the final stage of the study on the change which will be implemented soon," he said.

He said 100,056 FELCRA participants managed about 553,000ha nationwide.

Last month, Rural and Regional Development Minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, said FELCRA would distribute the dividends on a monthly basis to its participants beginning this year. -- Bernama