JASIN: An allocation of RM1.5mil has been set aside to help the Melaka government organise the Rural Entrepreneur Carnival (KUD) @ D’Bendang Festival in the state next year.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the carnival would be held annually to boost tourism activities in rural areas and this initiative would assist Melaka in its preparations for next year’s World Tourism Day celebration and the Visit Malaysia Year in 2026.

“This is not just about promoting domestic tourism or attracting tourists within the state. With Visit Malaysia Year coming up in 2026, next year’s festival will be a key event to promote in collaboration with the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac),” he said at the closing of the festival at Benteng Negara Camp in Sungai Rambai here yesterday, Bernama reported.

In his speech, Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the ministry had trained, supervised, financed and monitored over 500,000 rural entrepreneurs across various sectors.

He pointed out that the government, through the Malaysian Halal Council, has gone beyond promoting entrepreneurs’ products by creating a supportive ecosystem that fosters growth in the halal industry.

“Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is deeply committed to ensuring the economic well-being of the nation, from the national level down to the state, parliamentary and even village levels,” he added

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/12/melakas-rural-entrepreneur-carnival-gets-rm15mil-boost