PUTRAJAYA: The government will consider increasing funds for the Madani Community Programme to RM2 billion in the next budget, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Anwar said the RM1 billion for the programme announced in the 2024 Budget may not be enough to ensure the development of community economic activities in rural areas.
The programme, supervised by the Implementation Coordination Unit, sees villages, longhouses and people's housing projects given grants of between RM50,000 and RM100,000 to conduct community projects such as vegetable farming or crafts.
"This is the first time we are trying out this programme. The aim is to have the community themselves decide on what economic projects they want to embark on and then manage without the involvement of ministerial officers.
"The communities can get the ministry's help if they want to, and I want them to be assisted and monitored to ensure that it takes off.
"I also want to ensure there is no financial theft in this. If it happens, I will ask the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to step in and investigate.
"So spend wisely, and if it is successful, it will be Malaysia's first programme where the millions of community members take charge of their activities, and it can continue for the years to come," said Anwar in his speech at the Rural and Regional Development's five-day Karnival Usahawan Desa at Anjung Floria today.
Anwar, also the finance minister, said the programme would uplift the local communities' economy and enable them to earn incomes.
It involves five sectors, including agriculture and food, herbs and health, tourism and recycling.