Latest news with #RuralandRegionalDevelopment
The Star
9 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Ahmad Zahid wants Malaysia's rural agenda to serve as regional model for Asean
PUTRAJAYA: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi expressed hope that Malaysia's rural development agenda can serve as a model for the Asean region. Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, said his ministry would continue to elevate the rural development agenda to the regional stage when it hosts the Asean Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on the Asean Master Plan on Rural Development again this October. In addition, Malaysia would host the Asean+3 Forum on Empowering Rural Women and Digitalisation. "Let us use this platform to showcase our best practices and position Malaysia's rural development agenda as both a regional aspiration and reference point. Malaysia must set the example for the entire region," he said at the Rural and Regional Development Ministry's monthly assembly here on Tuesday (July 1). Ahmad Zahid said his ministry has been given the mandate to plan rural community development, with an allocation of nearly RM12bil, of which RM3.37bil has been spent to date. He said the recently launched Desa Kirana initiative was being hailed as a game changer in the lead-up to Visit Malaysia 2026. According to him, the initiative aims to boost rural tourism and strengthen the local economy by empowering cultural heritage, natural attractions, traditional cuisine, handicrafts and a variety of rural-based activities. "I hope to one day see our rural gems - from Arau to Kudat, from Sabah's interior to the coast of Sarawak - emerge as world-class tourist destinations. Just like Lauterbrunnen in Switzerland, Hobbiton in New Zealand, Shirakawa-go in Japan, or Ubud in Bali - places that were once quiet but now stand proudly on the global tourism map," he said. Ahmad Zahid also said that his ministry would organise a three-dimensional Mega Carnival, which will bring together three major events simultaneously: the Rural Entrepreneur Carnival, Felda Settlers' Day, and the One District One Industry initiative. "This marks another major shift - a strategic effort to elevate rural entrepreneurs and strengthen the rural entrepreneurship ecosystem at both the national and international levels," he said. Meanwhile, he also called on the ministry's secretary-general, Datuk Muhd Khair Razman Mohamed Annuar, to review the existing training system. During the assembly, Ahmad Zahid expressed his appreciation for the dedication and hard work of the ministry's staff throughout his 940-day leadership of the ministry. – Bernama
Barnama
a day ago
- Business
- Barnama
McDonald's Malaysia Vocational Academy Provides Access To Relevant Education, Empowers National TVET Agenda
GENERAL SHAH ALAM, June 30 (Bernama) -- The McDonald's Malaysia Vocational Apprenticeship Programme, which provides access to relevant and marketable education to the young generation, is in line with the National Dual Training System (SLDN) introduced by the government. Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) Datuk Rubiah Wang said through the programme,. Form Three graduates have the opportunity to obtain recognised qualifications such as the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM), Malaysian Skills Diploma (DKM) or Malaysian Skills Advanced Diploma (DLKM), while continuing their studies without any financial burden. She said that since the academy's establishment in 2018, it has produced more than 5,000 graduates, with over 70 per cent employed within McDonald's Malaysia's nationwide network, while the remaining graduates have pursued opportunities with other companies, continued their studies, or ventured into entrepreneurship. 'This is clear evidence of the success of the government-industry collaboration model, in line with the country's aspiration to produce skilled, quality and competitive human capital. 'This approach is also in line with the government's goal of ensuring that every young person has access to relevant and marketable education and at the same time strengthening the network of collaboration between training institutions and industry,' she said. She said this when speaking at the Fifth Convocation Ceremony of the McDonald's Vocational Academy, which was also attended by Deputy Minister of Education Wong Kah Woh and McDonald's Malaysia managing director and local operating partner, Datuk Azmir Jaafar. Rubiah also called for more companies and employers to come forward and play a bigger role in supporting the country's Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system, whether through apprenticeship programmes, investment in corporate academies, or technology transfer initiatives. She said that an inclusive and sustainable collaboration model between the government, training institutions, and industry players is crucial to ensuring not only an adequate workforce but one that is truly prepared to meet the demands of the future economy. "As of 2024, the employability rate of TVET graduates has reached 95.1 per cent, and this proves that this path is increasingly gaining ground among employers," she said.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Risda Carnival 2025 targets 10k visitors with 60 local delicacies
KUALA LUMPUR: The Rasa Asli Desa Risda Carnival 2025 kicked off today, running until June 30, with organisers targeting over 10,000 visitors. The event features 28 entrepreneurs from 13 states presenting more than 60 types of local culinary delights. Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) Datuk Rubiah Wang highlighted the ministry's support for rural entrepreneurs, particularly smallholders under the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda). 'Programmes like this not only add value in terms of marketing and sales, but also provide a real space to strengthen brands, business matching and market network development for rural entrepreneurs,' she said during the launch at Wangsa Walk. Rubiah noted that many participating entrepreneurs earn between RM5,000 and RM10,000 monthly, with some already recording RM1,000 to RM2,000 in sales on the first day. She expressed confidence in achieving the carnival's RM200,000 sales target. Themed 'Rasa Tulen, Sentuhan Istimewa' (Authentic Flavours, Special Touch), the event blends tradition with creativity, featuring dishes like kek lapis, rendang maman, and gulai temenung. Noorazlina Saramali, a 32-year-old entrepreneur from Beaufort, Sabah, shared her enthusiasm for introducing Sabahan specialties like kelupis and kucong to urban visitors. 'Kelupis is glutinous rice cooked with coconut milk and steamed in the same way as kucong, but kucong has a peanut filling flavoured with shrimp. I want to introduce kelupis to the people of Kuala Lumpur because this food is rarely available here,' she said. Siti Hajar Husnan, 39, from Negeri Sembilan, brought Johor's burasak and lepat loi, typically seasonal treats now available year-round thanks to retort processing. 'Actually, this is a seasonal food, but when we process it using the retort method, it can last up to a year and can be eaten anytime. We also sell it online on Shopee and TikTok, good thing there is always demand,' she said. The carnival also features the RisSMart 24 brand stall by Risda Agri Food Sdn Bhd (RAFI), offering pastries, wagyu skewers, and tom yam bowls. Additional activities include traditional cooking demos, a nostalgia-themed night showcase, and a kids' beauty pageant.
Barnama
4 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Risda Carnival Targets 10,000 Visitors, Highlights Over 60 Local Delicacies
KUALA LUMPUR, June 27 (Bernama) -- The Rasa Asli Desa Risda Carnival 2025, which runs from today until June 30, is expected to draw over 10,000 visitors, with the participation of 28 entrepreneurs from 13 states showcasing over 60 types of local culinary products. Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) Datuk Rubiah Wang said the ministry fully supports all proactive efforts in empowering the role of the rural community, especially the smallholder community under the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda). "Programmes like this not only add value in terms of marketing and sales, but also provide a real space to strengthen brands, business matching and market network development for rural entrepreneurs," she told reporters after launching the carnival at Wangsa Walk here today. She said most entrepreneurs involved in the carnival have a monthly income of between RM5,000 and RM10,000 and such programmes have the potential to further increase their income. 'From the comments I got from entrepreneurs earlier, some have already earned more than RM1,000 to RM2,000 today, so I think the sales target of more than RM200,000 throughout the carnival can be achieved,' she added. Themed 'Rasa Tulen, Sentuhan Istimewa (Authentic Flavours, Special Touch), the carnival highlights a modern and creative approach in showcasing the traditional flavours of village cuisine from 13 states, such as 'kek lapis', 'rendang maman' and 'gulai temenung'. Meanwhile, an entrepreneur from Beaufort, Sabah, Noorazlina Saramali, 32, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity by Risda to participate in the carnival, which allows her to introduce traditional foods from the state to city dwellers. She said that among the special foods brought were 'kelupis' and 'kucong', which are synonymous with the people of Sabah and Sarawak during festive seasons and social gatherings. "Kelupis is glutinous rice cooked with coconut milk and steamed in the same way as kucong, but kucong has a peanut filling flavoured with shrimp. I want to introduce kelupis to the people of Kuala Lumpur because this food is rarely available here," she said.
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Desa Kirana to turn 20 rural villages into tourism hubs by 2026
PETALING JAYA: A total of 20 rural destinations across Malaysia are set to be transformed into vibrant tourism hubs under the Desa Kirana@KKDW programme, a key initiative by the Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW) to boost rural economies ahead of Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2026. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the programme, which offers structured rural tourism products, is expected to yield measurable outcomes by next year, including at least a 20 per cent increase in income for targeted groups, depending on the product and location. "Currently, two pilot sites have been selected, Kampung Pulau Tanjung Surat in Johor and Kampung Lonek in Negeri Sembilan, based on their high potential in offering rural tourism experiences, vibrant community-based activities, and rich cultural and heritage attractions. "Overall, Desa Kirana@KKDW is expected to serve as a catalyst for sustainable and inclusive rural tourism growth, transforming rural villages into competitive and appealing tourist destinations. "The programme, spearheaded by KKDW's Community Economic Development Division (EK), is also a 2025 'game changer' aimed at strengthening the rural tourism ecosystem," he said during the official launch of Desa Kirana@KKDW at Sunway Putra Hotel today. Also present was Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang. Earlier, Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, chaired the 1/2025 MEXCLUB Coordination Meeting held in conjunction with the launch. He said Desa Kirana@KKDW aims to comprehensively promote existing rural tourism attractions, particularly those under KKDW and its affiliated agencies, to both domestic and international visitors. "The programme also targets modern travellers, such as digital nomads, who may wish to temporarily reside in Desa Kirana locations equipped with amenities suited for a flexible, digital lifestyle. "It also aims to uplift the socio-economic status of rural communities through integrated and holistic implementation involving collaboration with local communities, government agencies and the private sector. "The initiative supports efforts to bridge development and economic gaps between urban and rural areas, curb youth migration to cities, and showcase the unique identity of Malaysia's villages to a global audience." He said the programme will enable rural communities to generate income through niche tourism products available in their respective areas. "Desa Kirana@KKDW will focus on five key tourism elements: heritage and culture, natural attractions, gastronomy, traditional products, and activities. "Its implementation will be supported through training and capacity-building where needed, the utilisation of existing facilities such as the Village Community Centres (PKD) and Nadi, as well as the activation of digital platforms like Desamall and others for promotion and bookings."
