KKDW shifts to inclusive development for rural and suburban communities, aiming to reduce urban migration and boost opportunities nationwide
PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) is expanding its focus to ensure development is inclusive for both rural communities and those living on city outskirts.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said this comprehensive approach is crucial as the rural population stands at 8.1 million.
“Our focus is not only on rural areas, but also on the outskirts of cities,” he said during a Townhall session closing the Rancakkan MADANI Bersama Malaysiaku Programme.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said policy is crafted around five core pillars to help rural communities.
These include creating economic opportunities and reducing migration from rural to urban areas.
The pillars also mandate compulsory educational opportunities and improved 5G communication coverage for sparsely populated areas.
He said these objectives are translated through 42 game changers and biannual planning sessions across all KKDW agencies.
The government is also implementing specific programmes for the Orang Asli community, he added.
Ahmad Zahid noted a significant increase in Orang Asli student enrollment into higher education institutions.
“For the three years under the Madani Government, the achievement of Orang Asli children entering university is 1,349 (as of November 2025), the highest achievement,” he said.
He also highlighted a new housing scheme for the community using accelerated construction methods.
Initiatives have helped reduce the rural-to-urban migration rate from 3.1% to 2.3% this year.
“This is all the result of 167 programmes that have been introduced by MADANI government for these three years,” he said.
On Sabah’s development, Ahmad Zahid acknowledged issues described as infrastructure rust, fire, and water.
He said projects worth RM50 million and below are now implemented directly by the state government.
“God willing, I am ‘color blind’ to implement more frequent rural programmes in Sabah without neglecting Sarawak,” he stated.
The three-day Rancakkan MADANI programme featured over 300 public services and interactive exhibitions. – Bernama
