PUTRAJAYA, Nov 25 — The government will allocate RM1 billion next year via the Madani Community Fund initiative for rural communities to start projects to boost their economy, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said through the initiative, each village, longhouse, and People's Housing Project (PPR) will be allocated a maximum of RM100,000 to start economic projects, like handicrafts or hydroponics.
“Money (funds) is given to village chiefs, penggawa (official in charge of district affairs), tuai rumah (longhouse chief), after holding a meeting and deciding a suitable economic project for their village.
“I want to see the villagers decide and run (economic projects) at a low cost, manage with RM100,000, see what can be done,” he said, adding the fund may be increased to RM2 billion if it succeeds.
Speaking at the Rural Entrepreneurs Carnival KUD@Putrajaya 2023 today, Anwar said if rural communities need help, they can contact various government agencies, including the Department of Agriculture or the Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara).
“This new approach (of the government) is expected to involve tens of millions of people at all levels, ie adults aged 18 and above.
“Spend prudently and follow the set rules,” he said, emphasising that the funds allocated were specifically for economic generation, not for repairing damaged fences or bridges.
In conjunction with one year of the Unity Government administering the country, Anwar invited the people to focus on the country's economic growth and ignore empty rhetoric.
“This year’s programmes under the Unity Government are much better than the previous year. Ignore endless political narratives and increase efforts to develop (the country).
“Several priorities (are to be given) in 2024, and it is time for us to implement some delayed programmes,” he said.
Regarding KUD, Anwar described the carnival as successful and received an encouraging response, and he also expressed his appreciation to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and the organisers.
“This is our opportunity to reveal efforts made by the ministry and also for entrepreneurs to be given encouragement and support, both from the government machinery and the people,” he said.
KUD@Putrajaya 2023 is being held for five days, starting on Wednesday (November 22), at Anjung Floria, with various exhibitions and sale programmes lined up.
— Bernama
