Latest news with #RuralandRegionalDevelopmentMinistry
New Straits Times
3 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."
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Zahid: Profit target a game changer for rural development
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.
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Govt sets up committee to fast-track rural development projects in Sarawak
BETONG: The Rural and Regional Development Ministry has set up a Project Monitoring and Coordination Committee, chaired by its Deputy Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang, to ensure smoother implementation of rural development projects in Sarawak. Deputy Prime Minister and Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the committee was formed after the ministry identified delays and technical issues affecting several projects, including problems related to land status. "The establishment of this committee was the result of a ministry-level decision, following the discovery that several projects were facing implementation challenges, particularly involving unresolved land ownership or status issues," he said. He was speaking to the media after officiating the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a road from Kampung Kupang to Simpang Jalan Bajau in Rumah Rengan, Saratok, today. He said coordination between federal and state agencies was crucial to expedite the implementation of 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 the ministry will continue to provide full support to the state government in its implementation," he said. Under the committee, Zahid said 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 (13MP). "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 13MP if we can discuss in detail the joint implementation between the state government and the federal government," he said. 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 ministry's responsibility 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 for RM112.9 million, is expected to be completed in September 2027.
Daily Express
17-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Keniogan folks hopeful of 24-hour power supply
Published on: Tuesday, June 17, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jun 17, 2025 By: Abbey Junior Text Size: Sabah Electricity personnel inspecting the upgraded generator facility at the Pulau Keniogan power station, which now supplies electricity to the island for up to 18 hours daily as part of efforts to achieve 24-hour coverage. BELURAN: Villagers on Pulau Keniogan are one step closer to enjoying 24-hour electricity, as Sabah Electricity ramps up efforts to improve power supply on the remote island. The community, made up of some 200 households, currently receives electricity for 18 hours a day — an upgrade from the previous 12-hour schedule — following the installation of a new, more efficient diesel generator. Advertisement Sabah Electricity Chief Operating Officer Ir. Ts. Mohd Yusmanizam Mohd Yusof said the move was part of the utility's commitment to ensure equitable access to electricity for all, including rural and island communities. 'We've sent a new, more efficient generator to Pulau Keniogan to ensure a more dependable power supply,' he said. 'We are working towards 24-hour electricity. Our goal is to make sure that every Sabahan gets the best service and electricity supply possible.' Pulau Keniogan, located off the coast of Sandakan and accessible only by boat, is home to a Bajau-majority fishing community that has long depended on candlelight, kerosene lamps and small private generators to get through the night. Local development officer (UPPM) Lokman Madlis said the longer electricity hours had already improved daily life for many residents. 'Alhamdulillah, it now feels like we're not so isolated anymore,' he said. 'People here have freezers, some even have air-conditioning and Astro. With longer electricity hours, we can store our catch properly and send it to the mainland for sale the next day. This really helps our income, especially for those who depend entirely on fishing.' Community representative Kamarzaman Marof echoed similar sentiments, saying full-day electricity is not just a convenience but a necessity. 'We really need 24-hour supply because ice is crucial for the fishermen,' he said. 'Without it, it's hard to keep our catch fresh. Some of us go out to sea in the morning and only return late in the day. If the ice melts or there's not enough, the fish will spoil and we lose money.' He pointed out that many elderly villagers rely on fans or cooling appliances due to the heat, adding that 24-hour power would improve their comfort and health. Sabah Electricity is currently working with the Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW) to complete a solar hybrid project on the island. Once completed, it is expected to provide long-term, clean and reliable energy to the village. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
New Straits Times
03-06-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Help on the way for family living in makeshift hut
KUALA BERANG: The plight of a family living in a makeshift hut may soon end, following intervention by the state Rural and Regional Development Ministry office. State Umno liaison committee chairman Datuk Rozi Mamat said the office has been instructed to urgently address the housing needs of Mat Nasir Ismail, 48, from Kampung Paya Besar, Kuala Berang. "We have contacted the state director, Md Razi Md Lazim, to address Mat Nasir's situation, who is currently living in a makeshift hut with his wife, five children, and a daughter-in-law. "We will also reach out to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, to request urgent approval of funds for the construction of a proper house for Mat Nasir and his family," he said after visiting the family yesterday. It was previously reported that Mat Nasir, his wife Mazilah Mansor, 47, and their five children, including a child with disabilities, aged between 11 and 22, and a daughter-in-law, have been living in a makeshift hut in the village due to financial hardship and inability to pay rent. Following the report, various parties have stepped in to help, including launching a donation drive to cover part of the water piping work and the estimated RM2,000 needed for meter installation. Meanwhile, several officers from the Hulu Terengganu land office, the Social Welfare Department and the Terengganu Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (Maidam) also visited the family to offer assistance. Maidam chief executive officer Associate Professor Datuk Dr Ahmad Azrin Adnan said based on the council's aid records, Mat Nasir has been receiving monthly aid of RM700 since January. He had been receiving a monthly assistance of RM500 from the council since 2017.
