KUALA SELANGOR - The State Government is implementing SARANG Ekonomi Desa, a comprehensive programme for rural development and economic development that features comprehensive guidance and facilitation.
Exco of Entrepreneur Development, Rural Development, Village and Traditional Village, Rodziah Ismail said that Kuala Selangor was selected as a pioneer area for six months as of this August and would benefit 55 villages and surrounding residents.
According to Rodziah, the aim of the programme is to revitalize the local village economy as well as to boost and diversify business activities especially in tourist-focused locations such as the Kuantan Firefly village.
“New and additional revenue potential can be generated through tourism promotion services, restaurants and seafood sales, accommodation, souvenirs and tourism crafts as well as village recreation that will benefit the participants of the programme.
"The state government intends for this programme to not only drive sustainable development of the rural areas, but also to increase the level of income of the population without having to migrate to the urban areas," she said in a statement.
Rodziah said the effectiveness of the programme will be seen in its entirety, especially in terms of return on investment with the hope that it can be continued next year.
Rodziah noted that for next year, the state government plans to implement it in other districts and guide the implementation of this year's programme.
“The state government is committed to raise the average household income in Selangor to RM 6,000 a month by 2025 including rural areas with such programmes," she said.
“We are aware of the issues of physical infrastructure and the internet which are important needs in rural development," she added.
"As such, the Rural Development Programme Steering Committee also established relevant government departments and agencies to ensure that infrastructure needs are met and appropriate actions are taken."
Rodziah stated that through the pilot programme, the state government had targeted 200 participants around Kuala Selangor while another 50 participants would be selected to participate in the programme.
