THE government is advancing efforts to end basic amenity shortfalls in Malaysia’s rural communities as the Kampung Angkat MADANI programme expands to reach 200 villages nationwide, benefiting over 335,000 residents by year’s end.
Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, said the initiative began its first phase in 43 villages following the announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Budget 2024.
“For the first phase with a ceiling allocation of RM2.5 million per village, 97 per cent of projects have been completed and have benefitted more than 83,000 residents,” he noted.
Encouraged by this success, the government has expanded the programme with an overall allocation of RM200 million, with implementation progress already exceeding 70 per cent.
“When fully completed, it will benefit more than 335,000 rural residents,” Shamsul Azri said in a recent interview with Media Prima Berhad.
The programme, guided by the principle of ‘no one left behind,’ aims to bridge urban-rural disparities by prioritising four essential components: road networks, electricity and water supply, and internet connectivity.
Complementary projects include solar installations, upgrading bridges, resurfacing roads, and constructing mosques and community halls to enhance living conditions.
Highlighting Kampung Batu Balak in Jerantut, Pahang, as a case study, Shamsul Azri revealed that 670 residents previously lacked proper water infrastructure.
“With an allocation of RM2.3 million under this programme, we are implementing a RM500,000 water supply project, building a new mosque for 300 worshippers, and upgrading the bridge and six kilometres of road,” he explained.
The implementation follows a whole-of-nation approach, involving multiple federal ministries, departments, agencies, statutory bodies, and public universities.
Oversight is conducted by the Kelantan Federal Development Office (ICU) under the Prime Minister’s Department.
“Projects are led by the Ministry of Finance with agencies including the Public Works Department, Irrigation and Drainage Department, water supply agencies, Islamic councils, district authorities, and land offices. Monthly monitoring and reporting to the Special Task Force for Agency Reform (STAR), which I chair, ensures timely completion,” he added.
Shamsul Azri emphasised that the initiative embodies the spirit of Malaysia Madani: Rakyat Disantuni, the theme of National Day 2025, where government officials at all levels engage directly with citizens.
“The essence of this programme is that public servants and senior government management meet the people on the ground, understand their needs, and ensure no one is left behind. Residents experience tangible improvements and benefits from Kampung Angkat MADANI,” he said.
The initiative signals a concerted effort to transform Malaysia’s rural landscape through coordinated infrastructure upgrades and inclusive policy implementation, ensuring that communities outside urban centres enjoy equitable access to essential services. - November 20, 2025
