KOTA KINABALU, Village administrative institutions such as the Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK) must assist the government in realising the goal of sustainable rural development, said Sabah Rural Development Minister Datuk Jahid Jahim.

He said the effort to make rural areas attractive and conducive to live and work in, as well as being an investment location, does not lie squarely on the shoulders of the government but also includes the role of leaders at the grassroots level.

“So, it is vital to implement empowerment programmes that include choosing the right leaders with integrity. Planning, coordination, implementation of village development programmes and community progress in entrepreneurship should also be emphasised,” he said at the opening of the 2023 Village Administrative Institution Seminar for Sabah here today.

A total of 235 participants consisting of JKKK members from Penampang, Putatan, Kota Kinabalu, Tuaran and Tamparuli attended the seminar organised by the Sabah branch of the Rural Development Institute, which also aims to support the government’s digital transformation in management and administration.

He also said the Sabah government through the state’s Ministry of Rural Development is preparing sufficient allocations for next year to improve rural infrastructure.

Jahid said the allocation of RM7.439 billion to the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development for next year also shows the commitment of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to ensuring that life in the countryside is comparable to the urban areas, without sidelining any groups.

“This provision is seen to be capable of supporting socioeconomic development as well as creating a peaceful and prosperous rural life environment as stated in the Rural Development Policy 2030,” he said.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency