KUALA KRAI: Kampung Jenal villagers are grateful their village is the first one in Kelantan to be selected for the Madani village adoption programme.
The village with a population of about 200 and located about 20km from Dabong town was adopted by the police.
Under the programme, the village will be provided with basic infrastructure and services.
Villagers expressed gratitude to the Madani government for selecting the village for the programme.
Housewife Habsah Kechik, 72, said Kampung Jenal was remote and near thick forests, making it difficult for villagers to access basic infrastructure, like roads and electricity supply.
"Roads and the bridge in the village are in bad condition. I was told they will be upgraded under the programme.
"It will definitely improve our daily life," said the mother of six.
Odd job worker Syed Ibrahim Syed Mohamad, 60, said villagers have been using old roads and a wooden bridge to go to the nearest town, Dabong.
"The roads and the bridge can be quite dangerous, especially during heavy rain. The roads will be covered by mud and the bridge isn't safe.
"Hopefully, after the upgrades and repairs, it will be better."
Kampung Jenal youth leader Abdullah Zuhri, 29, said most villagers use 'air tandak' (water catchment from hills) for their daily use.
"We hope upgrades under the Madani village adoption programme will include water supply."
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain officiated the adoption of Kampung Jenal yesterday.
In his speech, Razarudin said projects worth RM2.5 million for the village would include upgrading the roads, bridge, jetty, mosque and community hall.
"The Madani village adoption programme announced by the prime minister during the tabling of the 2024 Budget aims to help rural folk.
"The programme aims to ensure people have access to basic infrastructure and services, including water, electricity and internet."
He said Kampung Jenal is the first village the force is adopting under the programme, which will involve 42 villages nationwide.