Govt launches 5-year plan to boost rural development
PUTRAJAYA: The 2018-2023 Harapan Rural Development Plan, which is aimed at boosting development in rural areas, has six thrusts — infrastructure, economy, entrepreneurship, human capital, women and delivery system.
Rural Development Minister Datuk Seri Rina Harun said it would become part of the ministry’s strategic plan and a guideline for it and its agencies in the next five years.
She added that there were 29 strategies and 94 programmes that would be implemented under the six thrusts, including eight key programmes.
The plan also aimed to plug leakages and prevent any overlapping of projects between the Federal and state governments, Rina said, stressing the need for both sides to work on carrying out a holistic development programme.
“On the development of infrastructure, focus will be given not only on basic amenities, such as electricity, water and roads, but also expanding Internet coverage via the Digital Village programme with the cooperation of the Communications and Multimedia Ministry.
“Rural areas must have highspeed Internet access so that the people can maximise and benefit from it, as well as boost productivity, including for personal affairs, such Internet banking,” she said at the launch of the plan on Sunday.
She added that economic activities, such as in the agriculture, plantation and fisheries sectors should be strengthened by increasing productivity, using modern technology and downstream activities.
The rural people’s economy must be diversified through entrepreneurial activities and jobs created by sustainable rural tourism for youth, which could encourage them to stay in their hometown, Rina added.
“The ministry’s Rural Tourism Directory and Entrepreneur Data Bank will be introduced to make it easier for the public to access information.
“This is our way to promote these two economic activities,” she said, adding that the entrepreneurial activities would focus on online businesses, as well as on technology and innovation.
Rina said the ministry would execute the Harapan Desa Movement, which is aimed at empowering rural youths to develop respective villages.
“One of the programmes that will be introduced under the Harapan Desa Movement is the Pioneer Desa Programme.
“It will boost the economic and human capital development of villages with the cooperation of the private sector,” she added.
Rina said the Institute For Rural Advancement would provide training in various fields, including in economy, innovation and entrepreneurship for villagers, and not only for the Village Community Development Council members.
She added her ministry planned to add more transit child care facilities, from the current 22.