PUTRAJAYA: The Rural and Regional Development Ministry will step up development efforts next year by focusing on two main areas – human capital development and strengthening rural entrepreneurship, particularly through techno-entrepreneur initiatives.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the focus is not only on improving the quality of rural products but also on ensuring products can compete internationally.
“Through Mihas@Shanghai, we recorded a new milestone of over RM3.2bil in transactions, proving that Malaysian rural products have penetrated international markets,” he told reporters after the ministry’s monthly assembly.
Ahmad Zahid said nearly 300 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions under Mara now achieve a graduate employability rate of 98.7%, and the ministry aims to raise it to 99% next year.
He also added that the number of Orang Asli students pursuing university education has increased significantly this year.
“Our performance is based on careful planning. For instance, in terms of game changers, we implemented 42 this year and 95% of them have achieved their intended outcomes.
“Next year, we will determine how many game changers we will roll out,” he added.
Ahmad Zahid said next year will mark a new phase for the ministry in strengthening a work culture that is more value-driven, responsive and high-impact.
“Focus must be coordinated, profitable, aligned with the agency’s mandate, transparent in operations, and able to meet strategic objectives,” he added.
On another matter, Ahmad Zahid said the resolution on the Terengganu government’s warning notices against 10 plantation lots owned by Felda and FGV Holdings Bhd (FGV) will be presented at the Cabinet meeting.
The Deputy Prime Minister said Felda and FGV boards of directors would draft suitable recommendations and possible solutions.
Asked if a special task force was needed to prevent similar disputes, Ahmad Zahid said such a move was unnecessary.
“I don’t see a real problem. This can be brought to the National Land Council or discussed with the respective menteri besar and chief ministers.
“We usually resolve matters at that level, not through legal action or eviction proceedings.”
He also said although no date has been set for a meeting with Terengganu Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar on the issue, it would happen “as soon as possible”.
