Kuala lumpur: A collaborative approach between corridor authorities (PBK) and regional development agencies (LKW) must become the foundation for a more progressive and resilient rural development strategy, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Ahmad Zahid, who is also Minister of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), expressed his belief that with well-structured planning and implementation grounded in local realities, sustainable regional development can be achieved.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that the synergy between PBK, as a strategic regional planner, and LKW, as a community development implementer, is crucial for unlocking broader, high-impact partnerships. He made these remarks in a post on his official Facebook page today. Under the KKDW Strategic Plan 2026-2030, the government is placing particular focus on transforming the rural economy, with an emphasis on creating inclusive, competitive, and sustainable Rural Investment Hubs.
Ahmad Zahid stressed that these hubs are not simply physical infrastructure projects but symbols of a new, modern rural identity, connecting local potential with regional and global markets. Among the existing and potential collaborations between PBK and LKW is the development of the Integrated Economic and Community Centre (iCON) in Baling, Kedah, spearheaded by the Kedah Regional Development Authority (KEDA).
Other collaborations include resource sharing between the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) and the Penang Regional Development Authority (PERDA) under the People's Income Initiative (IPR INTAN). There is also planning based on Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) and the strengthening of rural tourism along the East Coast. TOD development, supported by infrastructure such as the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), is a joint effort involving the Central Terengganu Development Authority (KETENGAH) and the South Kelantan Development Authority (KESEDAR).
Additionally, the Johor Tenggara Development Authority (KEJORA) is supporting the implementation of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). Ahmad Zahid expressed optimism that this synergy would be a key pillar in shaping a more progressive and resilient future for rural Malaysia.
Earlier, Zahid highlighted that the Integrated Planning and Development Meeting between PBK and LKW held today reflects the government's commitment to strengthening coordination between top-level planners and grassroots implementers in charting Malaysia's rural future.