MELAKA: The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) and Rural Executive Committee Coordination Meeting (MEXCLUB) is essential for improving collaboration and understanding between the ministry and state governments. Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh emphasized the importance of these bi-annual meetings in discussing a range of issues related to planning, implementation, and achievement of rural development programs.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the MEXCLUB platform allows rural executive committees from across the nation to convene, exchange ideas, and strategize on empowering rural development in their respective regions. The Melaka government has initiated several projects aimed at fostering sustainable rural growth, such as the Community Paramedic (Parakom), Digital Village Initiative, and the enhancement of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) program.

At the MEXCLUB Coordination Meeting dinner, Ab Rauf highlighted additional efforts by the Melaka govern
ment to support rural communities. These efforts include expanding broadband access in areas like Orang Asli villages, boosting agriculture, livestock, and fisheries programs, and executing the Southern Gateway Economic Corridor and the Elected Representatives for the People program.

The current MEXCLUB meeting includes participation from 150 members, comprising state government executive committees responsible for the rural portfolio. This marks the second meeting of the year, following the first meeting held in Sabah in May.