UMK Implements 21 Community Projects In Machang Under Kampung Angkat MADANI Initiative

MACHANG, Dec 14 (Bernama) -- Over the past six months, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) has implemented 21 community projects in Kampung Bukit Tiu through its Kampung Angkat MADANI initiative, fostering strategic collaboration with the local community.

UMK vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Arham Abdullah said the project involved infrastructure upgrades, programmes to generate community income, and bakti siswa activities engaging both students and university staff.

“Alhamdulillah, from March to December this year, UMK has implemented a total of 21 community projects in Kampung Bukit Tiu, positively impacting more than 1,000 local residents,” he said at the Kampung Angkat MADANI launch here today.

Arham said that the project was backed by an allocation of RM1 million from the Ministry of Finance via the MADANI initiative, with the funds fully utilised during the current year.

He added that the programmes involved around 500 UMK students and staff from 10 faculties, helping to foster stronger ties between the university and the local community.

Among the initiatives implemented were efforts to assist small traders and retailers in streamlining shop management, enhancing business visibility, and sharing marketing knowledge.

“The feedback received from traders is very encouraging and shows increased confidence and potential for income generation,” he said.

Arham said UMK also implemented a catfish farming project in Machang involving seven local participants, each receiving a breeding pond and some 2,000 fry.

“Insya-Allah, the harvest of the catfish is expected to provide extra income to the participants and benefit the local economy,” he said.

He said that under Kampung Angkat MADANI, UMK focused on developing entrepreneurship and agro-based industries, leveraging the university’s proven expertise, which had been successfully implemented in several other locations and was now being applied in Kampung Bukit Tiu.

Commenting on preparations for the flood season, Arham said UMK was on standby, with a flood operations room activated following rain forecasts from today until Dec 18.

“The Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) has added a new diesel pump, bringing the total to five electric pumps and two diesel pumps to ensure the drainage system functions automatically during heavy rain,” he said.

Arham said monitoring was carried out continuously, and UMK had clear standard operating procedures, including measures to evacuate students in the event of a power outage or other unforeseen situations.

He also assured parents that the safety of students was always UMK’s top priority.

--BERNAMA