KUALA LUMPUR: The 2025 Budget announced today by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar highlighted the government's dedication to ensuring inclusivity for all demographics in the country.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the budget outlined various allocations focused on bridging the gap between urban and rural communities, ensuring that no group was left behind.
Zahid, who is rural and regional development minister, said the RM11.96 billion allocation for the ministry was testament to the government's dedication in addressing the needs of those living in rural areas.
The amount included RM4.47 billion for operating expenditures and RM7.49 billion for development expenditures.
"This allocation reflects the government's strong commitment to implementing rural development agendas that will benefit 8.1 million rural residents.
"To bridge the urban-rural development gap, the ministry has received an allocation of RM2.9 billion for the development and upgrading of basic infrastructure in rural areas, including in Sabah and Sarawak.
"Of this total, RM1.8 billion is allocated for rural roads and village connection roads, involving projects to construct and upgrade roads in villages and rural communities.
"In addition, the 2025 Budget also allotted RM2.6 billion for the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority, Felcra Bhd and the Federal Land Development Authority," he told a press conference after the tabling of the budget in Parliament today.