LUBOK ANTU (Sarawak): The Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK) that applies for projects under the Madani Community Prosperity Programme (SejaTi Madani) should focus on efforts to improve the social and economic status of their communities, says Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

The Deputy Prime Minister said JKKKs in the same district should not apply for similar projects to avoid duplication and unproductive competition.

“I hope that everyone will not apply for the same type of project.... Let it be diverse in each district so that it can provide more comprehensive benefits,” he told reporters after the Lubok Antu district SejaTi Madani assistance handover ceremony here yesterday, Bernama reported.

According to Fadillah, all project applications will go through several stages of evaluation, with the JKKK being able to discuss with its district office on who can advise it on suitable projects.

“There is a committee that will evaluate and then it will be taken to the SDO [State Development Office] office through the ICU [Implementation Coordination Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department] and that is where the project will be approved,” he said.

Fadillah said so far, 1,124 JKKKs have benefited from the SejaTi Madani programme in Sarawak with a total project value of about RM100mil involving the agriculture and food sectors, tailoring and handicrafts, herbs and health, tourism and hospitality, and green and recycling activities.

“Next year, I hope that more [applicants] who are already aware of this programme will start planning their projects.

“The important thing is what can benefit the local community, which can bring in income,” he added.

During the event, he presented SejaTi Madani funds amounting to more than RM720,000 to eight JKKKs in the Lubok Antu district for the implementation of smart agriculture projects for vegetable and corn and fish and poultry farming, as well as tourism and hospitality programmes.

Also present was Sarawak Deputy International Trade and Investment Minister Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh, who is also Batang Ai state assemblyman.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/12/23/diversify-projects-for-greater-impact-communities-told