Latest news with #MobileRuralCommunityCentre
The Sun
24-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Mobile PKD Centres a holistic approach in empowering rural communities
KANGAR: The Mobile Rural Community Centre (PKD Mobile) programme introduced by the Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW) in 2023 is a holistic approach to reach out and empower rural communities through the provision of various services. Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang said the programme has been expanded from the existing 191 centres in the country, and allows focus to be given to areas that are hard to access by providing entrepreneurial opportunities, skills training, exposure to technology and social security access. 'PKD Mobile is not only a place to stop by but has become a one-stop centre bringing government and private agencies together to provide training, services, local product exhibitions that have added value for communities. 'For instance, we provide online marketing training to women entrepreneurs using TikTok, introduce affordable social security systems and entrepreneurial programmes like chicken breeding, rubber smallholdings and padi planting via agencies such as FELCRA and RISDA,' she said at a media conference after officiating the two-day Kuala Perlis PKD Mobile programme in Kampung Tengah, Kuala Perlis near here today. Rubiah said the approach used would allow more human capital development programmes to be delivered directly to target groups, including youth. 'We identify youth who lack direction and channel them to TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) centres such as GiatMARA, skill colleges, and U-Camp RISDA. This is their chance to rise from difficulties and build up their skills,' she added. The PKD Mobile programme is part of the KKDW's initiatives to raise the standard of living for rural communities but the existing 191 centres are currently unable to reach all rural communities, and as such the ministry will redouble efforts to organise the programme so that the government services coverage will be more comprehensive for communities in hard-to-reach areas.
New Straits Times
24-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
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.
