KUCHING: The establishment of development agencies according to specific areas like the one implemented in Sarawak can be emulated by other states, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister (KKDW), said the establishment of development agencies by area would make efforts more focused with the involvement of local leaders who better understand the needs of their area.
"In my opinion, this is a game-changing move that other states should also learn from, so that there is a balance of development between residents living in rural and urban areas," he said after attending the KKDW Coordination Meeting and executive committees of the state's rural areas here, today (October 11).
Previously, the Sarawak state government had established several development agencies including the Ulu Rajang Development Agency (URDA), the Highland Development Agency (HDA) and the Northern Region Development Agency (NRDA) to drive and accelerate the economic development of the area.
Meanwhile, when asked about the 2024 Budget, Ahmad Zahid said the ministry had submitted several proposals and requests to the Economy Ministry, especially for the development of rural areas.
The 2024 Budget is expected to be tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who is also the Finance Minister, this Friday (October 13). – Bernama