13MP: Gov't Not Neglecting Rural Areas In Development Agenda - Ahmad Zahid

LAHAD DATU, Aug 3 (Bernama) -- The empowerment of rural regions, including in Sabah, through the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) proves that the government is not sidelining these areas from the national development agenda, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said that for Sabah, he observed several key areas of specific focus, including efforts to position the state as a Blue Economy hub to attract investment in new strategic industries.

“We will also enhance flood mitigation measures for the safety and wellbeing of the people,” he said when officiating the 'Sentuhan Kasih Desa MADANI @ Lahad Datu' programme in Kampung Sapagaya here today.

He said the government also plans to turn Sabah into a food production hub, thereby strengthening the role of rural areas as the backbone of national food security.

When tabling the 13MP for the 2026-2030 period under the theme "Redesigning Development", Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced initiatives such as the Sarawak Hydrogen Hub and Sabah Energy Supply Assurance to strengthen energy infrastructure in both states.

Under the 13MP, priority will also be given to the construction of the Sabah-Sarawak-Kalimantan road network in alignment with the relocation of Indonesia’s capital to Nusantara in East Kalimantan.

Emphasis is also placed on an intensive poverty eradication strategy, digital transformation, and support for the resilience of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The government remains committed to strengthening the retail network of 'Pasar Tamu' markets in Sabah and Sarawak, the development of integrated fisheries hubs, coastal and maritime tourism, as well as blue biotechnology — including upgrading bunkering facilities at Sabah ports.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said the 13MP is also a manifestation of the MADANI Government’s resolve to develop basic infrastructure, strengthen entrepreneurship and enhance disaster preparedness in rural areas.

At the programme, he also presented support equipment aid under the Rural Entrepreneurship Empowerment Support Scheme (SPKLB) and officiated the opening of a new KEMAS kindergarten building and skills training classroom.

-- BERNAMA