Latest news with #DesaKirana@KKDW
New Straits Times
17 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Desa Kirana to turn 20 rural villages into tourism hubs by 2026
PETALING JAYA: A total of 20 rural destinations across Malaysia are set to be transformed into vibrant tourism hubs under the Desa Kirana@KKDW programme, a key initiative by the Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW) to boost rural economies ahead of Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2026. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the programme, which offers structured rural tourism products, is expected to yield measurable outcomes by next year, including at least a 20 per cent increase in income for targeted groups, depending on the product and location. "Currently, two pilot sites have been selected, Kampung Pulau Tanjung Surat in Johor and Kampung Lonek in Negeri Sembilan, based on their high potential in offering rural tourism experiences, vibrant community-based activities, and rich cultural and heritage attractions. "Overall, Desa Kirana@KKDW is expected to serve as a catalyst for sustainable and inclusive rural tourism growth, transforming rural villages into competitive and appealing tourist destinations. "The programme, spearheaded by KKDW's Community Economic Development Division (EK), is also a 2025 'game changer' aimed at strengthening the rural tourism ecosystem," he said during the official launch of Desa Kirana@KKDW at Sunway Putra Hotel today. Also present was Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang. Earlier, Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, chaired the 1/2025 MEXCLUB Coordination Meeting held in conjunction with the launch. He said Desa Kirana@KKDW aims to comprehensively promote existing rural tourism attractions, particularly those under KKDW and its affiliated agencies, to both domestic and international visitors. "The programme also targets modern travellers, such as digital nomads, who may wish to temporarily reside in Desa Kirana locations equipped with amenities suited for a flexible, digital lifestyle. "It also aims to uplift the socio-economic status of rural communities through integrated and holistic implementation involving collaboration with local communities, government agencies and the private sector. "The initiative supports efforts to bridge development and economic gaps between urban and rural areas, curb youth migration to cities, and showcase the unique identity of Malaysia's villages to a global audience." He said the programme will enable rural communities to generate income through niche tourism products available in their respective areas. "Desa Kirana@KKDW will focus on five key tourism elements: heritage and culture, natural attractions, gastronomy, traditional products, and activities. "Its implementation will be supported through training and capacity-building where needed, the utilisation of existing facilities such as the Village Community Centres (PKD) and Nadi, as well as the activation of digital platforms like Desamall and others for promotion and bookings."
The Star
19 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Ahmad Zahid to leave decision on Hishammuddin's suspension to Umno's supreme council
KUALA LUMPUR: Umno President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has deferred the decision regarding the Sembrong Umno Division's request to lift the six-year suspension of Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein to the party's supreme council. Astro Awani reported that Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, said the former Umno Vice President had yet to submit any appeal or apology. "Regarding the Sembrong Umno Division's motion, the statement from Johor Umno Liaison Committee Chairman, Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, will bring this matter to the supreme council, so we will wait for the motion to be brought by him and reviewed by the Political Bureau. "The power to expel, suspend, or accept a member, if there is no General Assembly, lies with the supreme council of Umno. "Since there is no appeal letter from the applicant, we will look at the decision based on what is submitted by the Johor Mentri Besar," he told reporters after launching the Desa Kirana@KKDW programme at Sunway Putra Hotel on Thursday (June 26). Ahmad Zahid emphasised that the suspension of membership for several figures within the party was based on solid reasons, and the supreme council's decision at that time was deemed correct. He added that no disciplinary action is taken by the supreme council without reasonable cause. "I would like to mention that the suspension carried out was reasonable at the time because the supreme council would not expel or suspend any individual if there were no offences," he said. He also provided an example of how a leader allegedly poisoned the minds of 22 Umno Division Heads in Sabah to leave the party after the 14th General Election (PRU14), causing Umno to fall in the state. Ahmad Zahid also referred to an incident involving 10 Umno Members of Parliament who allegedly withdrew support for the government despite having signed a pledge to support the formation of the government. "Can the person who led 10 out of 30 Members of Parliament, who did not follow the party's decision, not be acted against? "Can the person who wanted the Umno President, who was the Barisan Nasional (BN) Chairman before the formation of the government, to be dismissed, not be acted against," questioned Zahid. "I am not referring to any names, but those three cases are very reasonable for suspension or action to be taken. I am not referring to anyone, the media can think for themselves who that person is. "If that person asks what is my crime? That is the answer. The supreme council made the right decision at that time," explained Ahmad Zahid. On Saturday (June 21), the Sembrong Umno Division suggested that Hishammuddin's membership suspension be revoked, in line with the goal of strengthening the party at all levels ahead of the upcoming General Election. Hishammuddin was suspended from Umno membership for six years starting January 27, 2023, or two supreme council Umno election terms. The letter dated Jan 30, 2023, was signed by Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, who served as the Umno Secretary-General at the time.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Zahid: Umno Supreme Council to decide on Hishammuddin's suspension
PETALING JAYA: Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is leaving it to the party's Supreme Council to decide on the Sembrong division's request to lift the six-year suspension imposed on Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein. Zahid, who is also deputy prime minister, said Hishammuddin - who was Umno vice-president and suspended in January 2023 — has not filed any appeal or asked for forgiveness. "Since there has not been a single appeal letterfrom him, I leave it to the Supreme Council to decide. "We will wait for the proposal to be put forward by Johor Umno liaison committee chairman Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi for discussion at the political bureau," Zahid told reporters after launching the Desa Kirana@KKDW programme at Hotel Sunway Putra here today.
