PERDA To Extend Santuni Komuniti MADANI Programme To Four More Locations

TASEK GELUGOR, June 14 (Bernama) -- The Penang Regional Development Authority (PERDA) will extend the reach of its PERDA Santuni Komuniti MADANI #PERDADiHati Programme to four more locations in the state this year, offering various community activities and assistance to local residents.

PERDA chairman Datuk Dr Shaik Hussein Mydin said among the locations identified for the programme were Permatang Pauh, Nibong Tebal and Balik Pulau, with the initiative expected to benefit more than 12,000 people following the successful organisation of its first edition in Permatang Berangan, Tasek Gelugor, today.

He said the programme was among PERDA’s key outreach initiatives and served as a platform to deliver government services and assistance directly to the community.

“The concept of the programme is to bring PERDA closer to the people, rather than expecting them to come to us, so that we can engage with residents and better understand their needs.

“Today’s programme drew a very encouraging response, with more than 3,000 residents estimated to have turned up to join various activities, including the Jualan Rahmah MADANI, which offered essential goods at lower prices than the market,” he told reporters after officiating the programme for the Permatang Berangan area at the Masjid Jamek Al-Islah open hall in Pokok Tampang here. 

Also present was PERDA general manager Datuk Mohd Asri Baharum.

Shaik Hussein said PERDA allocated between RM50,000 and RM100,000 for each programme, while the total value of benefits channelled to the community, including contributions from agencies and private parties, was estimated to reach RM200,000.

He said the programme was held in collaboration with several agencies, including the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) and the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN), which also offered a range of services and assistance to local residents.

“The programme, which began in 2023, has seen 16 series implemented throughout Penang and will continue this year in five areas under PERDA administration, targeting 15,000 participants. We will continue to expand it to ensure more rural residents benefit from the initiatives being implemented.

“Today, we also distributed 1,000 free chickens to villagers, and programmes like this allow the community to enjoy direct benefits from the government and related agencies,” he said.

In addition to the PERDA Santuni Komuniti MADANI #PERDADiHati programme, the agency also held an engagement session with entrepreneurs and food stall traders to brief them on the management of PERDA-owned premises rented to them.

Meanwhile, Shaik Hussein said PERDA is targeting RM2 million in sales from the PERDA Expo (EXPERT) 2026, to be held at Midtown PERDA, Kubang Menerong here from Oct 2 to 4.

He said the annual event is expected to bring together between 250 and 300 entrepreneurs and attract up to 100,000 visitors, with PERDA launching Mini EXPERT today in conjunction with the PERDA Santuni Komuniti MADANI #PERDADiHati programme to introduce EXPERT 2026 to the local community.

“EXPERT 2026 will be held on a larger scale compared to previous events, with a sales target of RM2 million, and we are confident the target can be achieved based on the response received whenever the expo is organised,” he said.

According to him, Midtown PERDA, located in the halal industrial area, was selected as the venue for the event to further expose the community to the halal industry and entrepreneurial opportunities.

He said EXPERT is an annual PERDA programme that has proven successful in helping entrepreneurs market their products and grow their business networks, with various opportunities and initiatives introduced throughout the expo to benefit entrepreneurs, especially small and medium enterprises, in line with PERDA’s agenda to empower the local entrepreneurial community.

“This year’s EXPERT, themed ‘Sinergi Halal: Memperkasakan Usahawan, Memacu Ekonomi’, will be officiated by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Penang, Tun Ramli Ngah Talib,” he said.

--BERNAMA