MADANI Village Programme Drives Socio-economic Progress In Selat, Pulau Tuba

LANGKAWI, Feb 16 (Bernama) -- The MADANI Adopted Village (KAM) Programme in Pulau Tuba and Selat near here, has delivered tangible improvements to the well-being and socio-economic standing of residents on the two islands.

Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said the programme demonstrates how integrated national policy implementation at the grassroots level can nurture a more self-reliant and progressive community capable of generating better income opportunities.

Introduced under Budget 2024 with an allocation of RM100 million, and doubled to RM200 million under Budget 2025, the KAM initiative adopts a Whole-of-Government approach to empower rural communities.

“The programme focuses on villages that require improvements to basic facilities, with the aim of narrowing the development gap between urban and rural areas,” he told reporters during a working visit to Pulau Tuba and Selat today.

For infrastructure upgrades on the islands, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) allocated RM2.5 million in 2024, implemented by the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), covering 13 infrastructure and community economic development projects.

Among the improvements were the installation of 50 additional solar-powered streetlights, adding to the existing 112 units,  and the upgrading of the tube well system at Masjid Al-Wafa to ensure a consistent supply of clean water, particularly during the dry season.

Amir Hamzah said the continued enhancements reflect the government’s sustained commitment even after the completion of major projects in 2024.

During the visit, key initiatives highlighted included the contribution of a hearse van by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme, the upgrading of toilet facilities at Masjid Al-Wafa by the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) of the Prime Minister’s Department, and Ramadan contributions to Maahad Tahfiz Darul Ulum in Pulau Tuba by LADA.

On the economic front, the community, through Koperasi Komuniti Kepulauan Tuba dan Selat Berhad (KOPTUBAS), has introduced new tourism offerings such as a food kiosk, classic electric car rentals and air-conditioned ferry services.

“Residents are also actively involved in downstream marine-based products, traditional snacks and handicrafts including batik and ceramics, further strengthening the islands’ community-based tourism potential,” he added.

-- BERNAMA