Dewan Rakyat News-In-Brief: Nov 5

KPWKM IN TALKS WITH JPA TO STRENGTHEN PWD EMPLOYMENT IN CIVIL SERVICE

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry (KPWKM) has held discussions with the Public Service Department (JPA) to review and strengthen efforts to achieve the one per cent employment quota for persons with disabilities (PwD) in the civil service. 

Its minister, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, said the move aims to raise awareness that the target has yet to be fully achieved.

She was responding to a question from Salamiah Mohd Nor (PN-Temerloh) during the oral question session in the Dewan Rakyat on the government’s efforts to establish OKU-focused departments recognising the contribution of persons with disabilities to national development.

Nancy, however, added that for KPWKM itself, the ministry has already reached nearly two per cent in PwD employment, surpassing the national target. 

-- BERNAMA

KPKT TO DEVELOP DATA REPOSITORY TO TRACK BORROWER-LENDER TRANSACTIONS 

KUALA LUMPUR, 5 Nov (Bernama) -- The Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) is finalising a pilot project to develop a data repository platform for borrowers and licensed money lenders, capable of recording transactions in real time.

Deputy Minister Aiman Athirah Sabu said the system will include digital monitoring and payment features to strengthen regulatory oversight of lenders and prevent additional charges from being imposed on borrowers.

“At the same time, from a borrower protection perspective, the system will be equipped with a loan insurance scheme to safeguard eligible individuals,” she said during the oral question session in the Dewan Rakyat today.

She was responding to an additional question from P. Prabakaran (PH-Batu) on whether the ministry plans to develop an integrated portal connecting KPKT, borrowers and licensed lenders to enhance transparency and consumer protection.

-- BERNAMA 

‘DESA KIRANA’ INITIATIVE LAUNCHED TO BOOST RURAL TOURISM AHEAD OF VM2026

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- The Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW) has launched the ‘Desa Kirana’ initiative, focusing on five key rural tourism attractions in preparation for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026).

Deputy Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang said the initiative aims to highlight local heritage and culture, showcase the beauty and uniqueness of natural surroundings, feature state gastronomy, display traditional products and provide authentic local tourism experiences.

“This initiative is also part of the government’s efforts to enhance the socio-economic status of rural communities by promoting these areas through comprehensive packages that have the potential to attract both domestic and international tourists, including digital nomads,” she said.

She was responding to a question from Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (PN-Kuala Kangsar) on the criteria set under the initiative and its potential to support economic and developmental linkages between urban and rural areas.

-- BERNAMA