Kuala lumpur: The Community Development Department (KEMAS) will expand the Tabika Tunas Istimewa Programme, with plans to set up at least one special needs kindergarten in every district by 2027, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said. Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, noted the initiative aims to ensure families continue to have access to special early childhood education services, maintaining fees at RM100 a month.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid mentioned that KEMAS will expand from the existing 19 operating classes by adding up to 132 more classes through the opening of new facilities and building upgrades. This initiative is part of the government's efforts to enhance rural community development by adopting an approach that directly benefits the people.

Ahmad Zahid emphasized that a government's performance should be judged by the improvements it brings to people's lives and its impact on the public. His approach focuses on finding game changers that can create new opportunities, increase incomes, and bring change to rural communities.

In addition, Ahmad Zahid shared that each Regional Development Authority (LKW) has been tasked with achieving an optimal Return on Assets of four to six percent. All LKWs have been directed to prepare Asset Activation Plans within 100 days to ensure government assets are better utilized and provide returns for the people.

Furthermore, Ahmad Zahid stated that the Rural Economic Council Executive Committee (MEXCLUB) meeting agreed to strengthen the Sustainable Village Programme. This will be done through the establishment of a task force to assist cooperatives in governance, branding, market access, and strategic networks.