Zahid: Profit target a game changer for rural development

New Straits Times

5 days ago

KOTA KINABALU: The Rural and Regional Development Ministry has made it mandatory for all agencies and subsidiaries under its purview to generate profits as part of a game-changing move introduced by the ministry.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said companies or subsidiaries that fail to record profits may face a management buy-out (MBO) or full closure.
He said the ministry is implementing a comprehensive and radical strategy to ensure that every agency and subsidiary delivers meaningful impact.
"We are giving them just one year to become profitable. I am not merely issuing orders — I am also hands-on, going to the ground to guide them," he said at a press conference after officiating the Sabah Women Empowerment Programme at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here today.
The programme, jointly organised by the ministry and Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), was attended by about 1,500 women entrepreneurs from across Sabah.
Also present were Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang, Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad, and MARA chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.
Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said each agency under the ministry has been given clear targets based on its operational focus.
He said failure to meet key performance indicators (KPIs) would be investigated, while agencies achieving their targets would still be challenged to improve.
"Achieving the KPI doesn't mean the job is done. We will ask again — what more can be done better?" he said.
He added that the same approach is being applied in the education sector, particularly through MARA, with a new model that combines academic excellence with spiritual development.
According to him, 57 MARA Junior Science Colleges (MRSMs) nationwide have adopted the Ulul Albab model, where Quran memorisation begins as early as Form 1, without neglecting science and professional subjects.
"This not only produces excellent students but also individuals with noble character and strong values. This is the real game changer in education," he said.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said the ministry has adopted an engagement-based approach by providing support, encouragement and motivation to employees at all levels.
"When they feel appreciated, their work spirit rises. This is the new work culture we are introducing," he said.
Earlier, in his speech, Ahmad Zahid also praised MARA for focusing not only on education but also on areas such as women's entrepreneurship.
"Entrepreneurship is also prioritised, including empowering women in this sector, which aligns with our trust in women's abilities in financial management," he said.