Latest news with #SentuhanKasih
Barnama
17-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
KKDW Allocates RM1.11 Billion For Rural Development In Sabah This Year
PUTATAN, May 17 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) has allocated RM1.11 billion for rural development in Sabah this year, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the allocation covered social infrastructure projects, including the construction of rural roads, provision of electricity, and water supply systems, aimed at improving access, quality of life, and sustainability for the rural population. According to him, there is still a significant gap that must be addressed, particularly in terms of basic infrastructure, economic access, education, and rural digitalisation, therefore, KKDW remains committed to implementing comprehensive high-impact programmes, including in Sabah, to close this gap. 'There are no major electricity issues in urban areas, so rural areas must also have a good electricity supply, like in urban areas. Similarly, rural infrastructure such as roads needs to be upgraded and improved,' he said while officiating the closing ceremony of the "Sentuhan Kasih Desa MADANI Bersama Pimpinan" event here tonight. Also present were Sabah Community Development Department (Kemas) chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, who is also Kinabatangan MP, and Kemas director-general Datuk Mohd Hanafiah Man. Ahmad Zahid said that to uplift every rural child from an early age and ensure no one is left behind, KKDW was currently implementing three high-impact early education initiatives, now in the pilot phase. He said the Smart Classroom@KEMAS initiative introduced a high-tech kindergarten and nursery model with the integration of digital Teaching and Learning (PdP), smart infrastructure facilities, and efficient governance. He added that the PeliTa@KEMAS Programme aimed to produce a generation of young Huffaz aged seven to 12 who not only memorised 'Juz Amma', the last or 30th part of the Quran, but who also followed a systematic and phased Quranic study syllabus. Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said the TABIKA Tunas Istimewa@KEMAS provided appropriate early education opportunities for children with special needs, particularly those with autism, so that they could also enjoy fair and comprehensive education.
New Straits Times
03-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Nga tells opposition MPs to 'live in run-down flats' if they're against URA
KUANTAN: Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming suggested that opposition MPs who oppose the Urban Renewal Act (URA) should live with their families in dilapidated flats to better understand the hardships faced by the urban poor. He made a pointed invitation after opposition MPs failed to turn up for a site visit to four URA project locations on April 29, despite being formally invited on two occasions. "There was even a python near one of the flats we visited. For MPs who oppose the URA, I invite you to bring your wives and children to live there—you won't have to pay rent. Experience for yourselves what urban poor households go through," he said. Nga said he had extended "special invitations" twice to the opposition but none turned up. "They initially agreed to attend, but failed to show up. They 'ponteng' (skipped) again—not just skipping Parliament, but also when the government is trying to help the people," he said during the ministry's Sentuhan Kasih programme at Kampung Cempaka today. Earlier, he handed over house keys to Rumah Mesra Rakyat recipients and mock cheques for development and planning allocations in Pahang. Taking a swipe at high-ranking critics, Nga added: "If you are against the URA—even if you're a 'Tun', 'Tan Sri' or 'Datuk Seri'—the application forms are ready. "If you're willing, I'll offer you the vacant units. Don't just stay in your bungalows. Go stay in these flats to understand what the URA is all about. Don't stop us from helping the people." Nga had on April 29 led a group of MPs to visit four urban renewal sites in Kuala Lumpur to help them better understand the URA's significance—but no opposition MPs attended. Pas is planning a rally next month to protest against the Act, which Nga said is in its final stage before being tabled in Parliament in July. Asked if he planned to arrange another visit for opposition MPs, Nga replied, "No. Why should I?" "For your information, I personally invited Pas president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang and his deputy, Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, to the ministry's Hari Raya open house, but both did not attend. "When I hold celebrations, they lodge police reports. But when we invite them, they don't show up," he said. Nga's remarks come amid continued criticism from the opposition, some of whom accuse the URA of enabling forced evictions. Earlier this year, police recorded Nga's statement over a Christmas celebration held at the ministry's premises.
