Putrajaya:The Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW) hopes that the upcoming Budget 2027 will prioritize comprehensive efforts to strengthen rural development, with a particular focus on enhancing basic infrastructure, socioeconomic advancement, and the well-being of rural communities.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang highlighted that infrastructure development in Sabah and Sarawak is a key priority due to the geographical, topographical, and logistical challenges that these states face, resulting in higher development costs.
Despite nationwide rural development initiatives, Rubiah noted that many remote areas and isolated villages still lack essential amenities like roads, water, electricity, and street lighting, which are crucial for improving the quality of life for residents.
Rubiah emphasized the need for substantial funding to improve connectivity in Sabah and Sarawak, given their unique challenges. She expressed these views during an appearance on Bernama TV's Ruang Bicara programme.
To address these challenges, KKDW is expanding quick-win projects through the Rural Connectivity Roads Programme, constructing plantation roads, installing solar LED street lights, and upgrading public facilities such as bridges, jetties, and community halls. Additionally, attention is being given to Orang Asli settlements, particularly in providing water and electricity to remote areas.
The ministry is also focusing on boosting the rural economy by empowering entrepreneurship among youths and women through training, financing, guidance, digitalization, and market access. Over 69,000 entrepreneurs are supported by KKDW under Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) and related agencies. The ministry has proposed upgrading MARA business premises to create a more attractive and comfortable business environment.
To further expand the market for local products, KKDW plans to establish the Rural Entrepreneurs Complex in Putrajaya as a one-stop center for promoting and selling rural entrepreneurs' products. This will be complemented by collaborations with leading retail networks like Petronas and the K2 Global programme to help rural products reach international markets.
On housing welfare, the ministry has proposed improvements to the Rakyat Sejahtera Housing Programme to make accommodations more accessible for the elderly and disabled, considering house designs that cater to their physical needs.
These efforts align with the Desa Berdaya, Rakyat Sejahtera concept, which seeks holistic rural development, encompassing physical amenities, economic opportunities, skills development, and community well-being.
Budget 2027 is set to be presented by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who also serves as Finance Minister, in the Dewan Rakyat at 3.30 pm tomorrow. The presentation will be broadcast live on Bernama TV and the agency's social media platforms.