KUALA LUMPUR: Collaboration between agencies under the Rural and Regional Development Ministry and the private sector can play a critical role in driving rural development, particularly through technology expertise, capital and broader market access.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi this collaboration would not only foster innovation but also expedite the development process and achieve more effective outcomes.
"The ministry has collaborated with various private companies in implementing high-impact projects. For example, the partnership between the
Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda) and Alliance Concord Green Sdn Bhd (ACG) in a biogas project can generate renewable energy, benefiting thousands of rural households and simultaneously opening up economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
"There is also a smart collaboration between Felcra Bhd and Cenergi SEA Sdn Bhd, a company specialising in Renewable Energy. Therefore, I urge all agencies under the ministry to continue being proactive in establishing relationships with the private sector," he said at the monthly gathering of the ministry here today as quoted by Bernama.
Zahid said some potential collaborations with the private sector include intensive digital literacy boot camps through Community Development Department (Kemas), partnerships with tourism companies to promote rural tourism showcasing local traditions, handicrafts, and eco-tourism, as well as marketing existing homestays to attract more visitors to rural areas.
He also suggested that agencies under the ministry implement a Collaborative Framework focusing on resource sharing, knowledge, and expertise to tackle increasingly complex challenges such as resource constraints and technological advancements.
"Each agency under the ministry lays a vital and complementary role to one another. For instance, Felcra focuses on land development and rural agriculture, Mara develops entrepreneurs and drives educational agendas, Kemas is involved in human capital development, the Department of Orang Asli Development (J) empowers the Orang Asli community, while Risda supports smallholder development.
"Therefore, to ensure the success of the ministry's overall vision, we cannot operate in silos or isolation. Closer strategic cooperation between ministries, agencies, and regional development bodies is essential,."
Zahid underscored that during this uncertain global economic situation, each agency under the ministry must also take steps towards self-sufficiency by generating their own income to reduce reliance on government allocations.
This gathering witnessed 20 ministry officials, including its secretary-general Datuk Muhd Khair Razman Mohamed Annuar, receiving certificates and honorary titles as Honorary and Associate Officers of the Malaysia Civil Defence Force, in addition to the presentation of the Madani Employee Award to nine selected ministry staff in recognition of their contributions and achievements.- Bernama