Down to business: Ahmad Zahid (centre) attending the Rural and Regional Development Ministry and Rural Executive Committee meeting in Ipoh. — RONNIE CHIN/The Star
IPOH: The e-Penghulu System will be implemented nationwide to strengthen monitoring, data collection and programme execution, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said his ministry would use the digital platform – currently implemented only in Perak – to improve monitoring of allocations and programme delivery.
The system was developed to provide services to the public at penghulu (village chief) offices.
“I have also asked rural development exco members from all states to use this system to monitor the distribution of allocations, not only from the ministry but also from other ministries,” he said in a press conference after the 60th Rural and Regional Development Ministry and Rural Executive Committee Coordination Meeting here yesterday.
Also present were Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang and state rural development, plantation, agriculture and food industry committee chairman Datuk Zolkafly Harun.
“We want all the state excos to ensure the allocations provide long-term benefits from a tangible and cost-effective aspect.”
Ahmad Zahid revealed that the ministry had introduced 42 major game-changer initiatives which exceeded a 95% success rate.
Regarding budget allocations, Ahmad Zahid said the ministry’s total allocation to all states for 2026 would be about RM12.4bil.
He said it would be distributed based on factors such as state size, population and specific needs, among others.
Ahmad Zahid also said discussions and policy proposals deliberated during the meeting would serve as important input for formulating the ministry’s Strategic Plan 2026-2030, slated for launch in February next year.
“This overall plan is designed to drive holistic, sustainable and inclusive rural development, ensuring that its benefits are felt directly by rural communities nationwide,” he added.
