RM1 Billion For SejaTi MADANI Initiative Next Year - PM Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the Sejahtera Komuniti MADANI (SejaTi MADANI) initiative will be intensified next year, with a substantial allocation of RM1 billion, as outlined in Budget 2025.

The Minister of Finance said that this includes RM600 million aimed at boosting the rural economy in villages, towns, remote areas, and Orang Asli settlements, along with RM200 million to expand the Kampung Angkat MADANI (MADANI Village Adoption Initiative), which will involve 200 villages nationwide.

“Additionally, RM100 million is earmarked for public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, to implement the Kampung Angkat MADANI programme, offering services such as house repairs and electrical wiring to benefit the community,” he said while tabling the budget in the Dewan Rakyat, today.

He further noted that RM100 million of the RM1 billion allocation will be utilised to empower communities under the People’s Housing Programme (PPR), through various socioeconomic initiatives.

SejaTi MADANI is a new initiative of the MADANI Government, aimed at stimulating economic activities at the community level, increasing income by providing funds ranging from RM50,000 to RM100,000 to deserving communities.

The Prime Minister said that SejaTi MADANI is an initiative designed to empower individuals to determine their own economic activities, with the government's role focused on monitoring and providing encouragement, as true strength originates from the grassroots level.

Anwar said that he also accepted offers from major oil palm companies, such as KLK, IOI, SD Guthrie, TH Plantations, and United Plantations, all of which are willing to adopt small oil palm farmers neighbouring their plantations.

These companies are prepared to offer assistance, which includes the supply of the latest seeds, premium fertilisers, and adherence to sustainable practices.

He noted that SejaTi MADANI has successfully facilitated over 6,400 rural economic activities. For instance, Kampung Tebuk Haji Dollah, in Selinsing, Perak, has implemented the use of three drones to fertilise and apply pesticides to 600 acres of rice fields, reducing the time required from 90 minutes to just 20 minutes.

“In Kampung Kuala Bibang in Semporna, seafood drying technology has been developed which reduces processing time from three days to just three hours, significantly increasing residents' incomes, to RM25,000 per month,” he added.

Looking ahead to 2025, Anwar mentioned that more senior management personnel from various departments will be involved in leading the Kampung Angkat MADANI efforts, with universities and TVET institutions also participating, to provide services at the community level.

-- BERNAMA