The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), YAB Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamid, has mandated Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) to conduct a comprehensive study on public satisfaction regarding the provision of basic needs, infrastructure, and socioeconomic development efforts in rural areas.
These findings are essential to ensure the ministry’s plans remain relevant and impactful.
“In addition to internal evaluations, the Ministry must collaborate with independent third-party research bodies to objectively assess programmes and initiatives.
“To gain deeper insights into public feedback, I am directing UniKL to carry out this study,” he stated during the Majlis Amanat Tahun Baharu 2025 KKDW on January 2, 2025.
He also highlighted that Malaysia is in the final phase of the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMKe-12), emphasising the need to evaluate achievements, identify gaps, and address weaknesses in rural services.
As Malaysia transitions into the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMKe-13), he stressed the importance of bolder and more radical planning.
The Deputy Prime Minister further noted that the Pelan Tindakan Dasar Pembangunan Luar Bandar 2030 (DPLB 2030) and Pelan Strategik Kementerian 2025 must be revised to align with the goals of RMKe-13.
“We cannot afford to approach this superficially; we must ensure we are on the right track to effectively develop rural communities,” he added.
