BANGI: A more comprehensive database for rural areas is being updated to ensure programmes and aid are carried out and channelled effectively.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the existing data was not updated, with essential information unavailable.

"For instance, some children have left their villages and migrated elsewhere, but their names are still in the households.

"With the updated and detailed data, we hope assistance will reach the target groups, as there were also grouses raised by some folk, saying that 'it's always the same people who benefit (from the aid)'," he said after closing the Madani rural leadership empowerment convention today.

The rural and regional development minister said the ministry was developing an application to ensure the smooth delivery of aid.

He said the application could be used to inform the public of any government initiative and assist companies or start-ups in identifying potential community projects that could be undertaken collaboratively.

He suggested exchange programmes where community leaders had the opportunity to visit and learn from successful projects in other areas.

"I am confident that this initiative will spark new ideas, encourage cross-learning and bring best practices back to their respective communities."

In addition, next year's Rural Entrepreneurs' Carnival, would see a special space called the Madani Village being set up.

He said community leaders' roles had over the years expanded, from being the administrative figure in the community to seeking jobs and economic growth for the people.

This, he said, was emphasised in the Rural Development Policy 2030, through the active involvement of residents in planning and implementing aspects of development.

This was in line with the principle of the community being the primary driver of prosperity, he said.

"In fact, a study by the World Bank found that community-based development programmes are more effective for long-term outcomes.

"This is because direct involvement of the community strengthens a sense of responsibility and ownership, which, in turn, makes every development effort more sustainable and better aligned with local needs."

He said Asian Development Bank, in one of its studies, showed that rural communities equipped with basic infrastructure could boost residents' productivity, thereby improving the quality of life for the community.

He said the facilities would also support the growth of small- and medium-sized enterprises in rural areas.

"Such facilities can contribute positively to the country's economic growth.

"Therefore, in the 2025 Budget, the ministry has received an allocation of RM11.96 billion, an increase of RM405.27 million, or 3.51 per cent, compared with the amount received this year."

Of the total, RM7.49 billion was allocated for the development of over 8.1 million rural residents, making the Rural and Regional Development Ministry the third ministry with the highest development allocation, after the Works and Finance Ministries, he said.

He said the government continued to focus on basic infrastructure in villages and rural areas with an allocation of nearly RM2.9 billion.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/11/1129490/zahid-comprehensive-database-rural-areas-underway