KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 9 — Four main elements need to be focused in rural development initiatives, namely economy, digital, environment and community, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Ahmad Zahid who is also the Rural and Regional Development minister said high speed internet services need to be made available in rural areas to enable the local community to access information and development, including in areas of education.
“In terms of economy, is it fair or justified to just focus on cities and town areas? Instead the growth of economy must also be made available in rural areas,” said Ahmad Zahid after appearing in a programme broadcast by RTM, called Special Narrative With Deputy Prime Minister, tonight.
According to the Deputy Prime Minister, development in rural areas must be parallel with the community and social development so as to build a prosperous community that would also take care of the environment.
He added that there was an imbalance in terms of development in rural areas which comprise 30 per cent of the country’s population.
He added that 70 per cent of the country’s population are either living in the cities or outskirts of the city.
Ahmad Zahid said though various programmes have been implemented through large allocations in the past, the problem of poverty has remained a major concern among rural folks.
He added that funds allocated to the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development would be effectively used to ensure the rural folks benefit from initiatives or programmes carried out.
Ahmad Zahid added that the process of urbanisation must have a balanced development approach in terms of physical and spiritual initiatives.
“There must be a balance in physical and spiritual development. We always give priority to physical development but we rarely see spiritual happiness,” he said.
