Deputy PM Ahmad Zahid launches KKDW Strategic Plan 2026-2030, targeting 8.17 million rural residents with focus on economy, infrastructure and entrepreneurship
KUALA NERUS: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has launched a new five-year strategic plan for rural and regional development.
The Rural and Regional Development Ministry’s (KKDW) Strategic Plan 2026-2030 sets the direction for integrated development, targeting 8.17 million rural residents.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the plan focuses on five main clusters.
These are the rural economy, human capital, infrastructure networks, rural entrepreneurship, and the service delivery system.
“A total of 20 strategies and 49 initiatives have been formulated to drive integrated and sustainable rural development,” he told reporters.
He stated the plan aims to benefit 24% of Malaysia’s total population living in rural areas.
The minister explained the plan aligns with national goals including Malaysia MADANI and the 13th Malaysia Plan.
It is also guided by the Sustainable Development Goals and the Bumiputera Economic Transformation Plan 2035.
Ahmad Zahid said the document will guide programme implementation with emphasis on efficiency and accountability.
He stressed the importance of direct impact on rural communities through the use of public resources.
The ministry’s ability to execute this plan is backed by achievements during the 12th Malaysia Plan.
“These achievements mark a transition from the planning phase to the delivery phase,” he said.
Key outcomes include a reduction in the rural poverty rate to 9.9% in 2024 from 12.9% in 2022.
Rural-to-urban migration also declined to 0.5% in 2024 compared with 2.4% in 2022.
The plan was launched at the ministry’s residential programme 2026 in the presence of Deputy Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang.
