PBK-LKW Collaborative Approach Key To Strengthen Rural Development - Ahmad Zahid

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 5 (Bernama) -- 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), said he believes that with well-structured planning and implementation grounded in local realities, sustainable regional development can be achieved.

“I am confident that the synergy between PBK, as strategic regional planner, and LKW, as community development implementer, can unlock broader, high-impact partnerships,” he said in a post on his official Facebook page today.

He said that under the KKDW Strategic Plan 2026-2030, the government is placing particular focus on transforming the rural economy, with an emphasis on the creation of inclusive, competitive, and sustainable Rural Investment Hubs.

The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that these hubs are not merely physical infrastructure projects but symbols of a new, modern rural identity, connecting local potential with regional and global markets.

Ahmad Zahid said that among 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 are the resource sharing between the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) and the Penang Regional Development Authority (PERDA) under the People’s Income Initiative (IPR INTAN), and the planning based on Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) and the strengthening of rural tourism along the East Coast.

Ahmad Zahid noted that 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).

“Insya-Allah, this synergy will be a key pillar in shaping a more progressive and resilient future for rural Malaysia,” he said.

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.

-- BERNAMA