KUALA LUMPUR, April 27, 2026 – Deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today chaired the third High-Level Committee (HLC) meeting on Rural Development, setting clearer directions to accelerate the transformation of villages in line with the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13).
Zahid, who is also Minister of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), said the meeting focused on strengthening rural infrastructure, education and digital connectivity to narrow the urban-rural development gap.
Among the key decisions agreed upon:
- Upgrading infrastructure for remote rural schools through closer collaboration between the Ministry of Education and Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), with special emphasis on schools in interior and hard-to-reach areas.
- Phased integration of early childhood education programmes in FELDA settlements under the Community Development Department (KEMAS), beginning June 2026, to ensure more structured and higher-quality delivery.
- Strengthening the rural digital ecosystem by enhancing cooperation between the National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI) and Village Community Centres (Pusat Komuniti Desa/PKD) under KKDW, so that existing facilities and resources can be fully utilised.
Zahid stressed that a whole-of-government, whole-of-society and data-driven governance approach will continue to be strengthened to improve coordination and effectiveness.
“This will further reinforce KKDW’s commitment to bridging development disparities and enhancing the well-being of the rakyat in an inclusive and sustainable manner,” he said.
The meeting was attended by senior government officials and representatives from relevant ministries and agencies.
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