KKDW Implements Initiatives To Lighten Burden Of People, Entrepreneurs - Ahmad Zahid

KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) and its agencies are taking proactive steps to help the people face the challenges of the global supply crisis and current economic pressures, including reducing the rental rates of premises, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said the move was in line with the call of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and KKDW's commitment to strengthening the National Rural Economic Agenda through a more comprehensive, responsive approach focused on the well-being of the people, the development of rural entrepreneurs and the strengthening of the rural economy.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said KKDW had recorded savings of at least RM250 million which did not involve rural development project funds.

“These savings were obtained as a result of spending adjustment measures and more efficient programme restructuring.

“The results of the savings will be returned to the Ministry of Finance to support the country’s fuel subsidy needs for the people,” he said in a post on Facebook, today.

According to Ahmad Zahid, MARA agreed to reduce rental rates by up to 20 per cent involving 7,135 business premises lots nationwide to help reduce the burden on entrepreneurs and traders.

In addition, the Penang Regional Development Authority (PERDA) is offering rental discounts of up to 20 per cent involving more than 400 premises lots under its control, including a minimum rental rate of as low as RM100 per month to help strengthen the cash flow of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Another initiative involves the Kedah Regional Development Authority (KEDA) which is implementing a reduction in business premises rental rates of between 10 and 20 per cent involving 355 premises under the supervision of the agency.

At the same time, the Central Terengganu Development Board (KETENGAH) agreed to implement a 20 per cent reduction in rental rates involving 552 units of KETENGAH business premises to help ease the burden on entrepreneurs and traders.

“I believe that these measures implemented will help strengthen the economic resilience of the people and rural entrepreneurs in facing the current challenges,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid said KKDW remains committed to expanding initiatives that directly benefit the people to ensure that rural economic development continues to be sustainable, inclusive and resilient.

-- BERNAMA