By Anna Farina Abdul Rauf
SHAH ALAM, July 13 — The state government remains committed to empowering rural areas through a comprehensive approach that includes infrastructure development and access to modern technology.
State executive councillor for rural development, unity, and consumer affairs Datuk Rizam Ismail, who emphasised the importance of village governance as the foundation for sustainable development, noted that several rural areas still lack proper broadband coverage.
As such, efforts are actively underway to establish Smart Desa Centres that provide Internet access and computers for residents in every state constituency.
“We have already set up four Smart Desa Centres, including in the Sungai Air Tawar and Kuala Langat constituencies. The state government takes this matter seriously, closely monitoring and collaborating with the Federal government.
“This is among our initiatives to ensure that rural children are not left behind in terms of technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI),” he said on the ‘Bicara Semasa’ programme produced by Media Selangor.
Rizam also urged that traditional and ethnic characteristics in villages, including those of the Banjar, Javanese, and Bugis communities, be preserved in tandem with improvements in the landscape and economic sectors.
“In the past, villagers aspired to move to the cities. Now, the trend is reversing — urban dwellers are seeking a return to rural life. That is why we are ensuring development reaches these areas,” he said.
Gagasan Rumpun Selangor expanded
Commenting on Gagasan Rumpun Selangor (GRS), Rizam described the initiative as a major success in fostering unity, driven by the dedication of the Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah in engaging with communities of all backgrounds.
“I am truly impressed that we have a Raja Muda so in touch with the people. His Highness is humble and down-to-earth in his approach to society,” he said.
He added that GRS 2.0 is currently being planned on a larger scale, with closer collaboration between the state government and the palace.
“InsyaAllah, the next programme will be expanded. The Menteri Besar will also participate alongside the Raja Muda,” Rizam said.
Cooperatives as a buffer against cost of living pressures
To address the rising cost of living, cooperatives could serve as an effective mechanism to stabilise the prices of essential goods — based on successful models in developed countries like Japan.
“In Japan, after the Second World War, cooperatives played a crucial role from agriculture all the way to distribution. They did not rely on wholesale markets or the private sector,” he said.
At the state level, initiatives like the Sabak Bernam Development Area (Sabda) aim to empower cooperatives and local farmers, enabling them to develop more sustainable, independent market avenues.
“We need a system that the government can oversee, to ensure agricultural produce is not wasted or discarded. I believe this system can benefit both the government and the people, though it requires time and consistent effort,” Rizam said.
Focusing on the people’s welfare
The councillor also expressed confidence in the strength of the Unity Government in Selangor, which he said was built on cross-party cooperation under the leadership of Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
He said the state’s strength lies in its ability to embrace political diversity within a cohesive coalition focused on public welfare and economic empowerment.
“That is why today we are the largest contributor to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).
“This did not happen by chance — it is the result of strong leadership and well-structured administration,” Rizam concluded.
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