Thailand: The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) is expanding its focus to include not only rural communities but also those living on the outskirts of cities, as part of an effort to ensure comprehensive development. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi emphasized the need for this inclusive approach, given that rural communities make up 8.1 million out of Malaysia's 34.5 million population.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid highlighted during a Townhall session, which coincided with the closing ceremony of the Rancakkan MADANI Bersama Malaysiaku Programme, that agencies under KKDW, such as the Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), also support urban communities. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof were also present during the session.
Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, outlined the government's rural development policy. This policy includes creating economic opportunities for rural areas, reducing migration to urban areas, providing compulsory education, improving communication coverage including 5G, and social restructuring. These efforts are supported by 42 game changers and two settlement sessions conducted annually to ensure uniform transformation across the nation.
The government has also focused on the Orang Asli community, with development programmes yielding significant benefits. Educational enrollment for Orang Asli in higher education has notably increased, with 1,349 students entering universities in the three years under the Madani Government. Additionally, a new housing scheme has been introduced for the community, featuring improved construction methods.
Ahmad Zahid noted the positive impact of 167 programmes introduced by the MADANI government, which have reduced the migration rate from rural areas to cities from 3.1% to 2.3% this year. Addressing development challenges in Sabah, he stated that the Prime Minister has allowed projects under RM50 million to be managed directly by the state government, with funding provided to the state treasury.
The Rancakkan MADANI programme, spanning three days, included over 300 public-facing services, career carnivals, exhibitions, and family entertainment, continuing the tradition of the government's annual report to the people.