By Norrasyidah Arshad
SHAH ALAM, Nov 3 — All 373 traditional villages across the state are set for accelerated development, while preserving each area’s unique identity and cultural heritage.
State Executive Councillor for Rural Development and Unity Datuk Rizam Ismail said the initiative aims to enhance quality of life, improve comfort, and boost the local economy.
He also expressed hope for a significant allocation in the 2025 Selangor Budget, which will be announced on November 15, to ensure the successful implementation of these plans.
“We genuinely hope for increased funding, as there are numerous community-related matters to address. Beyond organising and enhancing the development of traditional villages, we will be engaging with various stakeholders, including village heads.”
“We want to host various programmes while ensuring that village traditions are not eroded; instead, we will promote them. This will indirectly promote Selangor and potentially boost the tourism sector,” he told Media Selangor.
Rizam also expressed the state’s readiness to collaborate with the Federal government to implement the Sejahtera Komuniti Madani (Sejati Madani) programme, which is seen as a means to support the rural economy.
“RM600 million of the total RM1 billion allocation will be dedicated to invigorating the rural economy. This will significantly aid rural residents, particularly in small and medium enterprises, and we are ready to collaborate,” he said.
During the tabling of the Budget 2025 on October 18, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced an allocation of RM600 million to stimulate the rural economy in villages, rural towns, and Orang Asli settlements.
Anwar said the amount is part of the RM1 billion earmarked for these initiatives, in addition to RM200 million for expanding the Madani Adopted Village programme and RM100 million for public universities to implement related programmes.
