Budget 2027: KKDW Hopes Rural Development To Be Strengthened Holistically - Rubiah

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 (Bernama) -- The Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW) hopes that Budget 2027, which will be tabled tomorrow, will focus on efforts to strengthen rural development comprehensively, particularly in the provision of basic infrastructure, socioeconomic advancement and the well-being of rural communities.

Its deputy minister, Datuk Rubiah Wang said infrastructure development in Sabah and Sarawak is among the ministry’s priorities, given that both states face geographical, topographical and logistical challenges that require higher development costs.

She said that although rural development is being implemented nationwide, there are still remote areas and isolated villages that require basic amenities, including roads, water and electricity supplies, as well as street lighting, to improve residents’ quality of life.

“Development in Sabah and Sarawak requires high costs because there are many challenges in terms of topography, geography and logistics.

“Obviously, we need substantial allocations to ensure that connectivity in areas across Sabah and Sarawak can be improved,” she said during Bernama TV’s Ruang Bicara programme tonight.

Rubiah said that to bridge the gap, KKDW is expanding the implementation of quick-win projects through the Rural Connectivity Roads Programme (JPD), the construction of plantation roads, the installation of solar LED street lights, as well as upgrading public facilities such as bridges, jetties and community halls.

She said Orang Asli settlements are also receiving attention, particularly the provision of water and electricity supplies in remote areas, with KKDW hoping that the Finance Ministry will consider its request for allocations to expand these facilities.

In addition to physical development, Rubiah said KKDW is focusing on empowering the rural economy through entrepreneurship, particularly among youths and women, by providing training, financing, guidance, digitalisation and market access.

She said the ministry, which oversees more than 69,000 entrepreneurs under the guidance of Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) and related agencies, has also proposed upgrading MARA business premises under Budget 2027 to create a more comfortable and attractive business environment.

“If we have the cost for improvements and the stalls are made more vibrant and attractive, surely they will become a draw for customers,” she said, explaining that the premises offer affordable rental rates to entrepreneurs, particularly women.

To expand the market for local products, Rubiah said KKDW plans to develop the Rural Entrepreneurs Complex in Putrajaya as a one-stop centre to bring together various products by rural entrepreneurs for promotion and direct sales.

The marketing efforts will also be strengthened through collaborations with leading retail networks, including Petronas, in addition to the implementation of the K2 Global programme, which aims to help rural entrepreneurs’ products penetrate international markets.

On housing welfare, Rubiah said the ministry has proposed improvements to the Rakyat Sejahtera Housing Programme (PPRS) to make it more elderly- and disabled-friendly through house designs suited to the physical capabilities of occupants.

She said this aspect needs to be given attention as the designs and facilities provided in houses previously may not necessarily meet the needs of all groups, particularly those requiring additional accessibility features.

Rubiah said all these plans are in line with the concept of Desa Berdaya, Rakyat Sejahtera, which emphasises holistic rural development, not only in terms of physical amenities but also economic opportunities, increased incomes, skills development and community well-being.

Budget 2027 is scheduled to be tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also Finance Minister, in the Dewan Rakyat at 3.30 pm tomorrow, and will be broadcast live on Bernama TV as well as the news agency’s social media platforms.

-- BERNAMA