SHAH ALAM, Nov 8 — The 2026 Selangor Budget is expected to prioritise efforts to upgrade rural infrastructure, expand internet connectivity, and strengthen the rural economy, said state executive councillor for rural development, unity, and cooperatives Datuk Rizam Ismail.
He said empowering the rural economy remains a key agenda for the state government to help increase rural residents' incomes through targeted initiatives for entrepreneurs, including support for starting and growing businesses.
“Among the priorities are specific assistance for traders in rural areas, like Small and Medium Industries (SMIs), as well as guidance programmes that can strengthen local economic activities,” Rizam told Media Selangor.
He added that attention is also being given to repairing and upgrading ageing infrastructure and rural roads, including farm and plantation routes that serve as vital arteries for agricultural produce.
“Alongside basic infrastructure, rural internet connectivity must also be expanded. We are also proposing to add more Smart Desa Centres in villages with strong management to benefit local communities,” Rizam said.
On the unity agenda, the Sungai Air Tawar state assemblyman said the continuation of the Gagasan Rumpun Selangor (GRS) Programme Series Two will proceed with a more comprehensive approach.
“Its implementation will not merely involve visits, but will focus on resolving local issues and introducing new initiatives that engage all segments of society.
“The programme’s details are currently being refined with the state government, the Menteri Besar’s Office, and the Selangor Royal Palace to ensure it delivers a clearer impact to the people,” he said.
Rizam noted that in the upcoming budget, which will be tabled on Friday (November 14), emphasis will also be placed on strengthening the state’s cooperative movement, including long-term efforts to build a more structured cooperative supply chain ecosystem.
“The cooperative sector is one of the areas in which I place great hope, particularly in building a sustainable supply chain ecosystem for the cooperative movement. It may take time, but it can be realised through the creation of the Selangor Cooperative (CO-OP) Ecosystem identity as a pilot project,” he said.
The development of the Sabak Bernam Development Area (Sabda) will continue to be strengthened, and the councillor hopes that the state government will allocate seed funding to encourage investment in potential projects.
“Sabda is a key agenda, and the Menteri Besar himself places great emphasis on its development. We hope there will be a financial injection to stimulate investment in this area,” Rizam said.
He is confident that this year’s state budget will be drafted in a balanced and people-friendly manner for the benefit of all.
“Selangor is like a ‘mini Malaysia’, and the state budget is certainly highly anticipated. I am confident that Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari is preparing a budget that will benefit all segments of the people and support the state’s economic growth,” Rizam said.
