Kuala lumpur: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi expressed hope that Malaysia’s rural development agenda can serve as a model for the ASEAN region. Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, said his ministry will continue to elevate the rural development agenda to the regional stage when it hosts the ASEAN Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on the ASEAN Master Plan on Rural Development again this October. In addition, Malaysia will host the ASEAN+3 Forum on Empowering Rural Women and Digitalisation.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid said, ‘Let us use this platform to showcase our best practices and position Malaysia’s rural development agenda as both a regional aspiration and reference point. Malaysia must set the example for the entire region,’ at the Rural and Regional Development Ministry’s (KKDW) monthly assembly. Ahmad Zahid highlighted that the KKDW has been given a major mandate this year to plan rural community development, with an allocation of nearly RM12 billion, of which RM3.37 billion has been spent to date.
He mentioned that the recently launched Desa Kirana initiative is being hailed as a game changer in the lead-up to Visit Malaysia 2026. The initiative aims to boost rural tourism and strengthen the local economy by empowering cultural heritage, natural attractions, traditional cuisine, handicrafts, and a variety of rural-based activities. Ahmad Zahid envisioned rural areas in Malaysia emerging as world-class tourist destinations, similar to renowned sites like Lauterbrunnen in Switzerland and Ubud in Bali.
Furthermore, Ahmad Zahid announced that his ministry will organise a three-dimensional Mega Carnival, combining the Rural Entrepreneur Carnival (KUD), FELDA Settlers’ Day (HPF), and the One District One Industry (SDSI) initiative. This strategic effort aims to elevate rural entrepreneurs and strengthen the rural entrepreneurship ecosystem at both national and international levels.
He urged all sectors involved to fully commit to the effort, not only to ensure the programme’s success but also to transform it into a new wave that would strengthen KKDW’s flagship initiatives. Additionally, Ahmad Zahid called on the ministry’s secretary-general, Datuk Muhd Khair Razman Mohamed Annuar, to review the existing training system to ensure KKDW personnel are equipped with up-to-date technological skills, including artificial intelligence (AI) and the latest digital systems.
Ahmad Zahid expressed confidence that mastering technology would enable KKDW to take a leap forward and unite villages across the country. He also appreciated the dedication and hard work of KKDW staff during his 940-day leadership of the ministry, noting that their efforts have significantly impacted national development and garnered growing public support. He expressed hope that in the next 940 days, KKDW will continue to earn recognition and support from both the government and the public.