Serdang: The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) has continued to empower and highlight the capabilities of rural entrepreneurs through the Laman Usahawan Desa @ MAHA 2026 showcase at the ongoing Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Exhibition (MAHA) 2026 at Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, KKDW said in a statement that the showcase served as a strategic platform to help rural entrepreneurs expand their markets through direct marketing, business networking, and cross-cluster industry cooperation. The showcase was launched yesterday by Deputy Prime Minister and Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. It gathers agencies under KKDW, including Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA), the Community Development Department (KEMAS), FELCRA Berhad, and the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA).
Also participating are regional development authorities such as the Penang Regional Development Authority (PERDA), Central Terengganu Development Authority (KETENGAH), South Kelantan Development Authority (KESEDAR), Kedah Regional Development Authority (KEDA), and South East Johor Regional Development Authority (KEJORA).
"This participation is part of KKDW's continuous initiative to provide marketing programmes and entrepreneurial support to help rural entrepreneurs broaden market access and build strategic partnerships," the statement read.
According to KKDW, the platform also gives rural entrepreneurs opportunities to explore new business potential while strengthening networks with various industry clusters and marketing agencies. "This step not only broadens market access but also allows entrepreneurs to build strategic cooperation, improve business networks, enhance competitiveness, and strengthen product branding to penetrate wider markets," the statement said.
Key attractions for visitors include Entrepreneur Sales booths, Agency Exhibitions, the Desa Kirana Exhibition, cultural performances, an Orang Asli village and dance performances, the FELCRA Bazaar, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) services such as hairdressing and personal care.
Visitors can also enjoy interactive activities such as live cooking demonstrations, interactive games at the Kids' Zone - including remote-controlled drone and excavator games - traditional games, busker performances, and special dishes at RBC Cafe prepared by selected guided entrepreneurs.
Meanwhile, KKDW's Rural Entrepreneur Development Division has allocated RM100,000 worth of free sales incentive vouchers to visitors to boost sales for rural entrepreneurs throughout the event. MAHA 2026, operating from 10 am to 10 pm, features over 2,000 exhibitors and is expected to attract four million visitors.
This year's edition targets potential direct sales of RM58 million, alongside memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and memoranda of agreement (MoAs) worth up to RM8 billion.