Latest news with #MinistryofRuralandRegionalDevelopment
Borneo Post
3 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak rural villages get lighting boost under Phase 8 of LJK project
Julaihi (third right) with Rubiah, on his right, and others in a photo-call, taken at Kampung Merdang Lumut, one of the villages benefitting from new streetlights under Phase 8 of the LJK project. KUCHING (June 29): A total of 2,595 streetlights have been installed across 454 villages in Sarawak under Phase 8 of the Lampu Jalan Kampung (LJK) project, aimed at enhancing safety and accessibility in rural areas, according to Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB). Of these, 517 are energy-efficient LED units allocated by the federal Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) specifically for the Samarahan Division, the utility corporation said in a statement. SEB, which serves as the executing agency for the project, noted that since the launch of the LJK programme in 2002, a total of 57,327 streetlights have been installed across Sarawak to support local community, social, and economic development. Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development, Datuk Rubiah Wang, officially handed over the Phase 8 installations to SEB during a ceremony held at Dewan Kampung Merdang Lumut in Kota Samarahan yesterday, which was also attended by Sarawak Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi. In her remarks, Rubiah emphasised the project's strategic role in improving connectivity and highlighted that it is a key federal initiative supporting rural development. 'Proper lighting along village access roads is crucial for public safety,' said Rubiah, who is also the Kota Samarahan MP. She further explained that the LJK project is an initiative aimed at illuminating rural areas, particularly along main village roads, with priority given to areas in front of public buildings such as community halls, places of worship including prayer halls (suraus) and mosques, and at road junctions. 'Beginning with Phase 1, which involved 5,783 LJK units, the total has now reached 57,327 under Phase 8. 'The Federal Government currently incurs monthly maintenance costs of no less than RM600,000 in Sarawak alone, with total national expenditure amounting to RM11 million,' she disclosed. Adding on, she said the project will now proceed to Phase 9 under the 13th Malaysia Plan, involving the installation of an additional 16,400 streetlights statewide at an estimated cost of RM47 million. Meanwhile, Julaihi reaffirmed the state government's commitment to enhancing rural infrastructure and expanding access to essential services including roads, electricity, and clean water supply. 'This effort will not stop here. It is a continuous initiative that reflects the joint commitment of both the Sarawak and federal governments to improve rural infrastructure,' he said, acknowledging the strong cooperation between the federal and state agencies in delivering tangible benefits to rural communities. Adding on, SEB said the project utilises energy-efficient LED technology, which not only ensures reliable lighting but also helps reduce carbon emissions, in alignment with the corporation's broader commitment to sustainable energy and environmental responsibility. Among those present at the event were Stakan assemblyman Datuk Hamzah Brahim, KKDW Deputy Secretary-General (Development) Meor Ismail Meor Akim, SEB Senior Vice President for Corporate Services Siti Aisah Adenan, and SEB General Manager for Rural Electrification Nazry Abdul Latip, alongside other local leaders and residents. julaihi narawi Lampu Jalan Kampung lead LJK SEB streetlight
The Sun
7 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
KKDW sets up committee to oversee Sarawak rural projects
BETONG: The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) has established a Project Monitoring and Coordination Committee chaired by Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang to ensure the smooth implementation of rural development projects in Sarawak. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the committee was established after his ministry found that there were delays and technical issues affecting the implementation of several projects, including problems related to land status. 'The establishment of this committee was the result of the decision of the KKDW meeting itself when we found that several projects were facing implementation problems, especially in terms of ownership or land status that had not been resolved,' he said. He told the media after officiating the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the road from Kampung Kupang to Simpang Jalan Bajau in Rumah Rengan, Saratok today. He said coordination between federal and state agencies was very important to speed up the implementation of the projects, especially those involving allocations of less than RM50 million. 'As decided by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, projects worth less than RM50 million will be handed over to the state government for implementation. 'This requires close coordination and we at KKDW will continue to provide full support to the state government in its implementation,' he explained. Ahmad Zahid also stated that under the committee, the scope of work for projects being implemented in Sarawak which currently cannot be changed due to several constraints will be done under the 13th Malaysia Plan. 'Currently, this is under the responsibility of the state government and although we have several constraints to change the scope, it is not impossible in the 13th Malaysia Plan if we can discuss in detail the joint implementation between the state government and the federal government,' he explained. Reviewing the infrastructure development in Sarawak, he praised the state government's initiative in building coastal roads which not only connect the route to the Pan Borneo Highway but also play an important role in connecting longhouses and traditional villages. One of the areas of responsibility for this coordination committee is to build a road connecting longhouses and traditional villages so that we do not face what is called denial syndrome by various parties, but it is better for the benefit of the people to do this coordination,' he added. 'This is also part of the KKDW's responsibility for and this is the main role of this coordination committee, which is to prevent the existence of 'denial syndrome' among stakeholders,' he said. He added that effective coordination will ensure that the planned development truly benefits the people, especially in the interior areas. Meanwhile, the construction of the road involves upgrading the existing main road connecting Kampung Kupang and Simpang Jalan Bajau, from a gravel road to a paved road according to the JKRR2 Standard, with an estimated length of 16.9 kilometres. It also involves upgrading the existing connecting road to the JKRR1 standard leading to the school and longhouse, namely: Jalan Cabang 1 to SK Sungai Entebu, 86 metres long, Jalan Cabang 2 to Rumah Anau, 86 metres long 100 metres, Jalan Cabang 3 to Rumah Lakon, 1,175 metres long, Jalan Cabang 4 to Rumah Rabiah, 1,646 metres long, construction of five reinforced concrete bridges, drainage systems, culverts, road pavement and shoulder as well as installation of road signs and road fixtures. The project, which began in January at a cost of RM112.9 million, is expected to be completed in Sept, 2027.
The Sun
19-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Kemas teacher salary scheme to be revised
BANGI: The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) will review the salary scheme for Community Development Department (Kemas) teachers, aiming to elevate their role and better protect their welfare. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the welfare of Kemas teachers, whether in terms of allowances, promotion opportunities, social protection or recognition, must be prioritised and structured appropriately. 'To raise outstanding children, we must start by uplifting their educators. We cannot expect extraordinary results if our teachers are only provided with the bare minimum. 'That is why I want a comprehensive and phased strategic improvement plan implemented for Kemas educators,' said Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, when launching the Kemas Educators' Day celebration here today. Also present were KKDW secretary-general Datuk Muhd Khair Razman Mohamed Annuar and Kemas director-general Datuk Mohd Hanafiah Man. Ahmad Zahid expressed confidence that with continued support, focused training, and a work ecosystem that values its educators, Malaysia could nurture more dynamic and competitive Kemas teachers who remain the backbone of community education in the country. Meanwhile, he said KKDW aims to establish at least one kindergarten (tabika) for children with special needs in every district nationwide by 2027. He said this effort was to ensure that children with special needs are not left behind in receiving early education through the implementation of the Tabika Tunas Istimewa@Kemas, which begins this year. 'This initiative will start in Melaka this year. God willing, we will try to ensure that no Malaysian child is left behind in accessing early education, regardless of their circumstances,' he said. On the Smart Classroom@Kemas project, a pilot initiative for smart classrooms introduced by Kemas, Ahmad Zahid said it would be a game changer in propelling the early childhood education system into the digital era. 'My aspiration is for at least one smart kindergarten to be established in every district by 2026,' he said, expressing hope that skills-based education, such as technical and vocational education and training (TVET), could begin from an early stage. Ahmad Zahid also expressed pride in other Kemas achievements, including the graduation of 61,032 young huffaz (Quran memorisers) through the Kemas Pre-Tahfiz Programme at 4,229 centres. 'This programme is one of the major accomplishments that I consider a game changer in the early childhood education system. Starting with just 100 kindergartens in 2023, the programme has seen rapid growth. 'God willing, by 2026, we are targeting more than 9,700 Tabika Kemas to be involved, with the participation of over 145,000 young huffaz, surpassing our initial target of 140,000,' he said. He added that to date, Kemas operates 10,567 kindergartens and 577 nurseries (taska) nationwide, providing care and early education to 221,012 children from diverse backgrounds.
The Sun
16-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
KEDA boosts durian planting in Pedu to spur agrotourism
PADANG TERAP: The Kedah Regional Development Authority (KEDA) will strengthen durian cultivation through the Integrated Village Economic Development Project (PROSPEK) in Pedu to further revitalise the agrotourism sector in the subdistrict. KEDA chairman Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said the project, which involves 12 villages in the subdistrict, has so far succeeded in increasing the income and quality of life of the local residents. 'Our aim is to revitalise existing durian orchards... so facilities, roads, and fertilisers are provided, and we are looking for ways to clean up these orchards so that when durian season arrives, more people can come here and visit the orchards — that's our goal. 'It's a good programme and I want to review the status of the 12 villages in the Pedu subdistrict so we can refine it further... there are also homestays, so people can come and eat durians right here,' he said after attending the Durian Festival@Pedu 2025 programme here today. He said KEDA will improve infrastructure and farm roads in the involved villages, and also streamline the durian collection process in the orchards to make it more efficient. According to Mahdzir, as of now, 280 hectares of the king of fruits are cultivated by 309 PROSPEK participants, yielding over 300 tonnes of durians comprising both clone varieties and kampung (village) durians. He said PROSPEK Pedu began in 2022 with a five-year development phase and a total project cost of RM8 million. It is a project under the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development.
The Sun
11-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
ASEAN TVET Council 4th Regional Policy Dialogue highlights three key enablers
MELAKA: The ASEAN Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council 4th Regional Policy Dialogue (ATC 4th RPD) has highlighted three fundamental enablers for advancing the sector. The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) said the three key enablers are effective education and training, meeting industry demands for skilled labour, and improving socio-economic standards. The ministry, in collaboration with the National TVET Council (MTVET), is organising the two-day dialogue themed 'TVET for Rural and Regional Advancement' here, with the main objective of developing comprehensive, actionable strategies and policies to enhance the access, quality, and relevance of TVET, aligned with rural development priorities and inclusive growth. 'The ATC 4th RPD is expected to produce practical recommendations and conclusions to support the development and alignment of national TVET systems with regional aspirations. 'It will also strengthen the role of the ASEAN TVET Council as a key platform for cooperation, coordination, and policy integration across ASEAN,' it said in a statement today. The statement said the dialogue is held in conjunction with the National TVET Day 2025 celebration, which runs from today until Friday, and Malaysia's chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025. The dialogue is supported by the ASEAN Secretariat, the German government under the Regional Cooperation on Labour Market Policy and TVET for Twin Transition in ASEAN (RECOTwin) programme, and the Australian government through the Aus4ASEAN Digital Transformation and Future Skills programme. 'The ATC 4th RPD aims to foster regional collaboration, knowledge sharing, and strategic discussions on the role of TVET as a catalyst for the socio-economic transformation of rural and marginalised communities. 'The keynote address was delivered by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who underscored TVET's critical role in driving inclusivity and sustainability, and Malaysia's aspiration to equip the workforce with relevant skills for a dynamic labour market to boost economic growth and social equity,' the statement added. The dialogue features 29 expert panellists from ASEAN member states, Australia, and UNESCO, comprising policymakers, government officials, industry players, and TVET educators. The hybrid event is being attended by over 300 participants, both in person and online.
