RM12.68 Billion To Boost Rural Development, Improve Basic Amenities - KKDW

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 10 (Bernama) --The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) has been allocated RM12.68 billion under Budget 2027 to improve rural infrastructure, narrow gaps in basic amenities and raise living standards.

In a statement today, the ministry said RM7.83 billion was allocated for development expenditure and RM4.85 billion for operating expenditure, covering infrastructure, education, skills, the economy and community well-being.

Key allocations include RM2.3 billion for rural road projects and RM3.3 billion for basic rural infrastructure, including clean water and electricity supplies, village street lighting and solar-powered lights.

Efforts to expand 4G coverage to all Orang Asli villages are also expected to continue, with completion targeted for 2027.

The Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) will receive RM445 million for initiatives including a 100-bed hostel in Kinta, Perak, preschools in Kampung Angkek and Pos Belatim in Gua Musang, Kelantan, and a replanting project at Pos Poi, Sungai Siput, Perak.

To strengthen the rural economy, the government will support the redevelopment of hawker centres and stalls managed by Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), as well as the Tamu Desa initiative in Sabah and Sarawak.

In addition, over 300,000 rubber smallholders are expected to benefit from an increase in the Rubber Production Incentive (IPG) to RM3.30 per kilogramme, alongside a monthly subsidy of RM400.

The ministry also highlighted RM8 billion in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes across ministries, including training and placement for 1,000 Bumiputera youths in high-growth sectors.

A further RM10 million has been allocated through GIATMARA to repair electrical wiring in 20,000 homes belonging to low-income families.

The ministry said implementation and monitoring would be prioritised to ensure the allocations translate into improved facilities, services and tangible benefits for rural communities.

-- BERNAMA