Latest news with #StateRuralDevelopment
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Perak to expand onion cultivation to more districts
GOPENG: Perak will expand the cultivation of the BAW-1 red onion variety, also known as Bawang Perak, to several districts identified as suitable for the crop. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the districts include Kuala Kangsar, Muallim and Perak Tengah, in addition to Kampung Ladang Bikam in Sungkai, Batang Padang, which began planting the variety last year. 'We will open new areas that meet the criteria for onion cultivation, as it must be grown on fertile soil to produce high-quality yields. Bawang Perak is known for its sweet and flavourful taste, which adds to its market appeal. 'So far, four districts have been identified as suitable, and we will expand to several more,' he told reporters after launching the FAMA Fest 2025 @ Perak at the Rural Transformation Centre here today. Also present were Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup and State Rural Development, Plantation, Agriculture and Food Industry Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Zolkafly Harun. Saarani said a total of 12.4 metric tonnes of Bawang Perak was produced last year from a nine-hectare cultivation area. Earlier, in his speech, Arthur mentioned that the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry has allocated an additional RM1.4 million this year to expand the cultivation of the variety. He said the commercial-scale production of Bawang Perak - the first of its kind in the country - was a significant milestone made possible through collaboration between the Perak Agriculture Department and the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI).
New Straits Times
24-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Health, fitness key criteria in appointment of new village chiefs in Perak
IPOH: Health and physical fitness will be key considerations in the appointment of new village chiefs across Perak, beginning June 1. Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said candidates for leadership roles within the Village Development and Security Committees (JPKK) must be capable of effectively serving their communities over the next two years. He said a comprehensive evaluation process is currently being conducted by State Rural Development, Plantation, Agriculture and Food Industry Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Zolkafly Harun and his team, to assess the performance of all current JPKK chairmen. "Today is May 20, and I want to make it clear that the terms of all 829 village chiefs will end simultaneously on May 31. "A new cycle of appointments begins on June 1, and this time, we are applying stricter selection criteria. "One of the key components of the evaluation is a performance scoring system, in which each candidate must meet a minimum benchmark to qualify for reappointment. "Age, health, and physical fitness will also be considered informally, although no official medical examination is required," he said. Saarani was speaking at the Perak 2024 Prosperous Village Award and Sejati Madani Award ceremony at Bangunan Perak Darul Ridzuan, here, today. Addressing the leadership transition, Saarani called on outgoing village chiefs to act with integrity, particularly concerning land use and financial management. "If, during your term, you generously offered your land for government use, such as for a hall or community facility, please do not withdraw that offer simply because you are no longer in office. "We have encountered cases where former chiefs demanded the removal of buildings from land they had previously offered. Think of the long-term benefits, and the blessings that come from serving your community," he said. Saarani also issued a stern reminder regarding the proper handling of JPKK funds. "Some chiefs have kept committee funds in personal accounts. That money does not belong to you, it belongs to the JPKK. It must be properly handed over to your successor. "Even if you are not reappointed, do not be discouraged. Continue to serve your community by sharing ideas and guiding your successor. This is not about positions, it is about building our state together," he added. For the Perak 2024 Prosperous Village Award, Kampung Telaga Nenas (Manjung) was named the winner, taking home RM10,000, while Kampung Sungai Protan (Kerian) and Kampung Ulu Kuang (Kinta) secured second and third place, winning RM8,000 and RM6,000 respectively. In the Sejati Madani Award category, Kampung Jaya Setia (Kuala Kangsar) took top honours with a prize of RM100,000, while Kampung Sempeneh (Larut Matang Selama) and Kampung Telaga Nenas (Manjung) claimed second and third place, receiving RM70,000 and RM50,000 respectively.
The Star
08-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Sabah CM urges district council members to be more proactive
KOTA KINABALU: Several key development projects are underway for Tuaran, including the upgrading of infrastructure such as roads, water and electricity supply, alongside efforts to boost tourism and strengthen local entrepreneurship. However, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor noted that without efficient delivery, even large allocations would be meaningless. Hajiji said district council members must go to the ground, understand the people's issues first-hand, and act with integrity, sincerity, and transparency to ensure these initiatives succeed. He said council members must be well-informed of their functions, roles and responsibilities. 'This is essential to ensure government policies and development programmes are implemented efficiently, transparently, and reach the intended beneficiaries,' he said at the swearing-in and appointment ceremony for Tuaran district council members for the 2025–2027 term at Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort on Thursday (May 8). He urged them to adopt a more active and integrity-driven approach in supporting the implementation of the state's development policies. He said council members are not just channels for public feedback, but must also serve as effective agents in realising the Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan. Hajiji stressed that the success of the development plan requires commitment from all parties, including local authorities and district councils, not just the state government. 'Council members must work hand in hand with the state to relay information on policies, initiatives and government assistance right down to the grassroots,' he said. He also called on council members to serve as a bridge between the people and the government, ensuring that every policy and programme is well-communicated and accepted by the community. The newly appointed Tuaran council line-up comprises individuals from various backgrounds, including former civil servants, business leaders, youth figures and representatives from non-governmental organisations. 'I am confident that with strong commitment and teamwork, the councillors will be able to carry out their duties for the continued progress and well-being of Tuaran's residents,' he said. Also present at the ceremony were State Rural Development Minister Datuk Jahid Jahim, Assistant Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Isnin Aliasnih, Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, Tuaran MP Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau and Pantai Dalit assemblyman Datuk Jasnih Daya.
The Sun
29-04-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Two strict conditions set for Paya Mengkuang pig farmers to resume operations
MELAKA: Operators of pig farms in Paya Mengkuang, Kuala Sungai Baru, Kuala Sungai Baru, must comply with two strict conditions if they wish to resume operations. State Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security Committee chairman Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh said the main condition was that pig farming activities be conducted under a closed-house system instead of the conventional method used previously. He said another condition was that any pigs brought in from outside Melaka must first obtain approval from the State Veterinary Services Department to ensure the animals were free from disease. 'If the farmers can comply with the conditions set, the state government has no objection to allowing their farms to resume operations. 'We have held a meeting with pig farmers in the area and they are aware of the conditions that have been set,' he told a press conference outside the Melaka State Legislative Assembly today. Elaborating, Dr Muhamad Akmal said he had not received any applications from existing farmers for the construction of farms with a closed-house system, which was required to resume operations. In January 2022, the media reported that the Melaka government had agreed to gazette 35 pig farms in Paya Mengkuang as African Swine Fever (ASF) disease outbreak and control areas. The gazetting was to control the spread of ASF but no specific timeframe had been set.
The Sun
29-04-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Two strict terms set for Paya Mengkuang pig farms to reopen
MELAKA: Operators of pig farms in Paya Mengkuang, Kuala Sungai Baru, Kuala Sungai Baru, must comply with two strict conditions if they wish to resume operations. State Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security Committee chairman Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh said the main condition was that pig farming activities be conducted under a closed-house system instead of the conventional method used previously. He said another condition was that any pigs brought in from outside Melaka must first obtain approval from the State Veterinary Services Department to ensure the animals were free from disease. 'If the farmers can comply with the conditions set, the state government has no objection to allowing their farms to resume operations. 'We have held a meeting with pig farmers in the area and they are aware of the conditions that have been set,' he told a press conference outside the Melaka State Legislative Assembly today. Elaborating, Dr Muhamad Akmal said he had not received any applications from existing farmers for the construction of farms with a closed-house system, which was required to resume operations. In January 2022, the media reported that the Melaka government had agreed to gazette 35 pig farms in Paya Mengkuang as African Swine Fever (ASF) disease outbreak and control areas. The gazetting was to control the spread of ASF but no specific timeframe had been set.
