6.8M IN RURAL AREAS BENEFIT FROM NTP
Projects, including roads and housing, have boosted livelihoods
THE National Transformation Programme (NTP) is a shot in the arm for the rural community as it has empowered the people.
It is estimated that more than 6.8 million people have benefited from the implementation of programmes under NTP since 2010.
Federation of Malay Students Union president Zambri Mohd Isa said the government had set in motion initiatives through its “Improving Rural Development” sector to empower the people.
“The sector has improved the livelihoods of rural communities with projects, including new roads and public housing.
“This proves the government’s commitment to safeguarding the people’s welfare,” he told the New Straits Times Press.
Zambri said superior infrastructure had a significant impact not only in increasing the people’s income, but also improving their education opportunities and reducing the gap between rural and urban areas.
He said with prosperity and good education, people in the rural areas could better manage cost of living issues.
In the 2017 NTP annual report, it was stated that 6,868km of roads had been upgraded and built. The length is the distance between Putrajaya and Mumbai in India.
This has allowed 3.7 million villagers to travel in comfort.
Meanwhile, Koperasi Sepakat Muda Negeri Selangor Bhd chairman Fakhruddin Afiq Mohd Shah said the government’s initiative showed that rural and urban areas received equal attention from the government.
He said over the seven years of its implementation, NTP had produced positive results through upgrading of infrastructure for the rural community.
“The rural population needs development just like those in the city. With the NTP, any such gaps can be reduced.
“The development is comprehensive and all parts of society, regardless of race and religion, are enjoying it,” he said.
The NTP reported that 354,400 households involving 1.8 million people had water supply and the total coverage reached more than 90 per cent of Malaysians.
As for electricity, 161,931 households with 809,655 people in rural areas enjoy power supply, or total a coverage of 98.9 per cent.
By last year, 103,033 houses were built or repaired to improve the living standards of 515,170 people, the report stated.
Fakhruddin said changes could be seen in states, such as Sabah and Sarawak, through upgrading of the road system to provide more convenient travel for the public.
“The Satok Market in Kuching was disorganised six years ago but with the NTP implementation, the place has shown positive changes.
“This shows that the lives of rural folk are protected by the government,” he said.