Teluk Bahang: The Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW) has been proposed to conduct third-party evaluations to assess the effectiveness of each initiative implemented by the ministry. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who made the suggestion, said this would ensure actions taken by KKDW truly meet the needs and expectations of the people.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid emphasized that the ministry’s approach must remain relevant, with Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) focused on the well-being of the people. He proposed third-party evaluations to objectively assess the effectiveness of initiatives, ensuring maximum impact on target groups. Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, shared these insights during his speech at the KKDW Retreat 2025 dinner in Teluk Bahang.
The event, attended by Penang Deputy Chief Minister 1 Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid and Penang Regional Development Authority (PERDA) chairman Datuk Dr Shaik Hussein Mydin, saw Ahmad Zahid urging KKDW to enhance post-delivery services for development programs. Citing the ‘Perumahan Rakyat Sejahtera’ housing programme (PPRS), he stressed the need for ongoing engagement with recipients to assess satisfaction.
Ahmad Zahid outlined five key targets for KKDW this year to boost the ministry’s agenda, including aiding rural entrepreneurs in global market penetration and setting a goal for at least 500 Orang Asli children to secure university placements. He also highlighted the expansion of the KEMAS Pre-Tahfiz Programme and discussed continuity initiatives with the Minister of Education, Fadhlina Sidek.
Additionally, Ahmad Zahid expressed hopes for agencies like FELCRA to bolster agricultural efforts, ensuring the rural agricultural sector supports national food security. He called for a comprehensive strategy to coordinate strengths across ministries to advance rural communities.
He emphasized three core principles of the Rural Transformation Agenda: ensuring sufficient basic needs, maintaining basic facilities for welfare, and driving holistic socioeconomic development.
During the event, Ahmad Zahid witnessed the signing of a Joint Development Agreement for a RM170.1 million development project on Wakaf land in Bayan Lepas. He described the project as a strategic high-impact program benefiting the people, particularly in Penang, and expressed gratitude to Mohamad for supporting PERDA in this historic collaboration.