MEXCLUB Crucial Platform To Strengthen KKDW, State Gov't Collaboration - Ab Rauf

MELAKA, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) and Rural Executive Committee Coordination Meeting (MEXCLUB) is crucial to strengthening the collaboration and understanding between the ministry and the state governments.

Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the meeting, held twice a year, discusses various matters encompassing aspects of planning, implementation and achievement of rural development programmes.

He said MEXCLUB provides a platform for rural executive committees nationwide to get together, share ideas, brainstorm and empower rural development in their respective states.

“The Melaka government has implemented several initiatives for the benefit of rural communities, thus, cultivating sustainable rural development, including setting up the Community Paramedic (Parakom), Digital Village Initiative and empowering the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme,” he said at the MEXCLUB Coordination Meeting dinner here today.

Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development and his deputy, Datuk Rubiah Wang.

Ab Rauf said that other initiatives to empower the rural folk in Melaka included expanding broadband access, including in Orang Asli villages; empowering agriculture, livestock and fisheries programmes; the Southern Gateway Economic Corridor; and the Elected Representatives for the People programme.

The MEXCLUB meeting this time involves 150 participants, including state government executive committees holding the rural portfolio.

This is the second meeting for this year, with the first held in Sabah in May.

-- BERNAMA