Melaka: Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) has allocated RM1.32 million to implement the Santuni MADANI Programme in Kampung Merlimau Pantai, Melaka, and Kampung Telok Kandih, Kedah. PNB Group President and Chief Executive Officer Datuk Abdul Rahman Ahmad said the initiative aims to empower communities through education, infrastructure development, welfare, and entrepreneurship.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, this programme is also part of PNB's commitment under the One Leader, One Village initiative and supports the Government-linked Enterprises Activation and Reform Programme (GEAR-uP) agenda. 'We hope this holistic effort will have a meaningful impact on people's lives, not only in terms of community welfare but also by strengthening infrastructure and creating entrepreneurial opportunities,' he told reporters in Kampung Merlimau Pantai today. He was met after the opening of the Santuni MADANI Programme by the State Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security chairman, Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh.
Elaborating further, Abdul Rahman said the programme targeted various groups, including local entrepreneurs, students, senior citizens, asnaf, and residents who needed health assistance. He said that among the initiatives implemented were guidance for food, beverage and service entrepreneurs through the National Entrepreneurship Institute (INSKEN) and the provision of PNB BUDI-TVET scholarships.
"In addition, infrastructure improvements were also implemented, such as upgrading sepak takraw courts, mosques, and the Community Development Department (Kemas) nurseries and contributions to asnaf. We have also provided medical equipment for sick residents and senior citizens, including wheelchairs, medical beds and diagnostic monitoring equipment," he said.
Abdul Rahman added that for Kampung Merlimau Pantai, PNB aims to help boost the tourism sector by leveraging the area's natural beauty and cultural heritage as new attractions. Meanwhile, for Kampung Telok Kandih, the focus is on nurturing entrepreneurial potential and supporting small business development.
The Santuni MADANI Programme was introduced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the tabling of Budget 2024 as a comprehensive initiative to strengthen the well-being of communities nationwide.