Mobile PKD initiative empowers rural entrepreneurs across Malaysia
KANGAR: The Mobile Rural Community Centre (PKD Mobile) initiative, introduced by the Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW), is proving effective in nurturing rural entrepreneurs through various empowerment and entrepreneurship training programmes.
The initiative also serves as a mobile service platform, delivering both government and private sector services directly to rural communities.
Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang said the ministry fully recognised the importance of engaging directly with the people and responding to the actual needs of rural areas.
"Only through this approach of engagement can government policies be aligned with realities on the ground. With the presence of PKD Mobile in rural areas, we are already seeing a wide range of benefits, particularly in developing innovative rural entrepreneurs.
"PKD plays a crucial role in community empowerment through five main functions, skills training, women's empowerment programmes, economic and volunteer activities, government service delivery, and acting as a collection centre for village entrepreneurs' products," she said.
Rubiah was speaking after launching the PKD Mobile Programme at Dataran Kampung Tengah in Kuala Perlis today.
She said there are currently 191 PKD centres nationwide, but this number is still insufficient to reach all rural communities.
"For example, in Perlis, there are only three PKD centres - PKD Bungor Kudong in Simpang Empat, PKD Felcra Lubok Sireh in Padang Besar, and PKD Kok Klang in Chuping.
"Compare this to Sarawak, which is roughly 151 times larger than Perlis, the state has only around six PKD centres. This is why we are seeking to strengthen outreach to rural communities through initiatives like PKD Mobile.
"Since its launch and up to last year, the PKD Mobile Programme has been held in eight locations, attracting over 10,000 visitors. Each event has received an overwhelmingly positive response from the local community," she added.
Rubiah said the latest series of the programme featured four skill-based workshops, namely TikTok marketing techniques; rubber leaf bookmark making for children; basic rattan basket weaving; and basic make-up techniques.
One of the participants, Yamin Nyan, 57, from Padang Besar, said the PKD Mobile Programme gave him a platform to showcase and market his decorative paper and rubber flower arrangements, made together with his wife.
"I find this programme very beneficial, especially for people like me. It offers advisory services while also helping us promote our products.
"It should definitely be expanded to other areas, particularly in rural heartlands, so more people can benefit from what the government has to offer," he said.
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