14 KAM PROJECTS UNDER KKDW, RANKING FIRST IN TERMS OF PROGRESS - DPM AHMAD ZAHID

BAGAN DATUK, Dec 1 (Bernama) -- A total of 14 projects are being implemented under the MADANI Village Adoption Programme (KAM) at Kampung Sungai Betul here under the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW).

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that all these projects are set to be completed by the end of this year.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said that in terms of overall progress, KKDW ranks first among 43 KAM projects for project implementation and spending progress.

"According to records from all ministries, with the same allocation, the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development is the only one that is finishing its projects ahead of the others," he said in his speech at the launch of the Tautan Desa MADANI Programme at Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Betul here today.

Earlier, Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Member of Parliament for Bagan Datuk, visited the ongoing projects under this initiative.

Among these projects are eight physical projects, including the upgrading of the fence at Beting Beras Basah, upgrading of the rural access road from Kampung Bagan Sungai to Beting Beras Basah, upgrading of agricultural plantation roads, upgrading of the community hall, upgrading of the football field at SK Sungai Betul, repairs to Titi Sg Balai and Titi Klinik Desa Sg Balai, upgrading of Surau Idrisiah and Masjid Ismailiah, and repairs to 25 Poor/B40 people's houses.

Additionally, there are six non-physical projects such as gotong royong (community work) for cleanliness, Tautan Desa MADANI KKDW by KKDW, Cake and Pastry Course (GIATMARA), Motorcycle Maintenance Course (GIATMARA), Mobile Learning Programme: Hands-On Rural Management (INFRA), and the Rural Youth Excellence Course (INFRA).

Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid emphasised that the government adopts a "colour-blind" approach when carrying out initiatives that involve the welfare of the people.

"Even though (Kampung) Sungai Betul used to be 'deep green' (supporting the opposition), it’s okay, I forgive them, we are MADANI, we are colour-blind, we help even in areas that strongly oppose us. Our principle is that we will implement initiatives for the people, even in areas that don't support us," he said.

He added that upgrading and development projects for the people's needs also cover all facilities, even for small groups.

In this regard, Ahmad Zahid announced funding for the upgrading of Kampung Sungai Betul's community  with the construction of walls and the installation of air-conditioning.

-- BERNAMA