Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) has launched "Operation Zero Delay," an initiative aimed at expediting the completion of pending projects over the last four months of this year. This operation focuses on addressing outstanding issues related to projects, payments, land, utilities, contracts, assets, and unresolved decisions. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development, Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, emphasized the urgency of this initiative, highlighting the limited time remaining until 2026 and the increasing costs associated with delaying decisions.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid underscored the need for KKDW to prioritize completing existing projects rather than initiating new ones. He urged all divisions, departments, and agencies within KKDW to implement "Operation Zero Delay" immediately. Speaking at the KKDW Monthly Assembly, he called for a comprehensive review of all pending issues this month, classifying them into three categories: those that can be resolved immediately, those requiring higher-level intervention, and those deemed impractical or unviable.
Ahmad Zahid stressed the importance of accountability and timelines in resolving issues, advocating for clear ownership and decision-making processes to prevent recurring problems. He emphasized that effective project implementation is as crucial as planning, as approvals and allocations alone do not guarantee timely benefits for the public.
Highlighting the impact of delays, Ahmad Zahid pointed out that issues such as land acquisition, utility coordination, contractor problems, and weak inter-agency coordination can create implementation gaps, preventing timely delivery of project benefits. He also called for serious attention to be given to contractor payments, particularly for projects like rural road development under KKDW, noting that delayed payments can disrupt the entire economic chain in affected areas.
Ahmad Zahid further stated that responsible fiscal management involves not only controlling expenses but also ensuring commitments are managed effectively to maintain public confidence in the government. He advised against overcommitting to numerous projects simultaneously, which could lead to incomplete outcomes, advocating instead for a focused approach that allocates sufficient resources to necessary projects to ensure their proper completion.
In conclusion, Ahmad Zahid emphasized that a government's competency is measured not just by its planning capabilities but also by its effectiveness in resolving issues faced by the people. This aligns with KKDW's mission to bridge the gap between rural communities and access to opportunities, advancement, and an improved quality of life.