KKDW SERVES AS CATALYST IN SPURRING RURAL ECONOMY, ESPECIALLY IN SABAH 

KOTA KINABALU, Nov 26 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) will continue to strengthen its commitment in ensuring the rural communities, especially in Sabah, are not left behind in the nation’s development.

The ministry, in a statement today, said that efforts to empower the rural economy will be implemented through various integrated initiatives, which focus on increasing income, enhancing entrepreneurial capacity and development the local economic ecosystem.

It added that for 2024 and 2025, the implementation of rural economic programmes in Sabah, including the Integrated Village Economic Development Project (PROSPEK), showed a significant impact on small entrepreneurs, micro enterprises and village communities.

“Through PROSPEK, seven projects worth RM8.9 million have been carried out until this year, paving the way for communities to generate income through village-based productive activities,” it added.

In addition, the Rural Entrepreneurship Enhancement Support (SPKLB) Programme in 2025 also benefitted over 31 participants in Sabah, providing them with the space to develop products and services for wider marketing.

The statement added that Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) also upgraded business premises involving 21 lots in 2024 at a cost of RM0.2 million, while RM2.18 million has been allocated for this year for the improvement of two MARA arcades in Sandakan, involving 39 lots, to ensure a safer, more efficient and competitive business environment.

At the same time, the “Sentuhan Kasih Desa” Programme recorded a significant achievement when over 252 Sabah entrepreneurs were empowered within two years, with a sales value reaching RM3.898 million.

In line with the demands for digital transformation, KKDW also carried out the Rural Entrepreneur Digitalisation Programme (PPU) to strengthen marketing strategies through e-commerce platforms, with 201 entrepreneurs in Sabah receiving benefits this year involving an allocation of RM333,458.

“The successful implementation of all these initiatives proves KKDW’s commitment to strengthening the rural economy through an inclusive and high-impact approach.

“Increased income and the empowerment of rural entrepreneurs not only benefit individuals, but also serve as a catalyst for the overall socio-economic transformation of the people,” it added.

-- BERNAMA