IPOH, Nov 24 (Bernama) -- The inaugural 2024 New Village Expo, showcasing local products, achieved sales totalling RM123,000 as of 10 am today, Housing and Local Government (KPKT) Minister Nga Kor Ming said.
Held at the Ipoh Town Hall from Nov 22 until today, the expo was organised by KPKT in collaboration with the National Craft Members Welfare Association and the Si Zirafah Ulu Langat Community Book Club.
“This expo highlights the MADANI government's efforts to empower citizens to stand on their own feet rather than rely on subsidies. Initiatives like these can significantly boost incomes and foster self-reliance.
“This is our first time hosting the event, and it features a diverse array of products, including various types of sambal such as prawn sambal and anchovy sambal and next year, I hope to see more unique items, and handicrafts to be showcased,” he told a press conference after officiating the event here today.
Nga added that this year’s expo was held in Northern Peninsular Malaysia, with plans to host it in Johor next year and the Klang Valley in 2026, in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year. The expo will feature participants from across the country.
He said Malaysia currently has around 15,000 traditional villages and 613 new villages with Perak alone having 163 new vaillages.
“The Sejati MADANI Programme, initiated by the Prime Minister’s Department, has allocated RM1 billion to support traditional villages, People’s Housing Programme communities, and new villages. This funding allows them to promote village products, enhance incomes, and stimulate local economies.
“So far, 242 new villages have applied for the programme, with 122 approvals granted. Each approved village receives RM100,000, which means RM12.2 million has been disbursed under the Sejati MADANI Economic Programme,” he said.
On another matter Nga addressed the issue of licencing for vape and electronic cigarette sales, saying that the ministry will collaborate with the Ministry of Health (MOH) to refine regulations before implementing them nationwide through local authorities.
“We will work with MOH to finalise regulations on vape sales. Once an agreement is reached, we will enforce these rules across all local authorities,” he said.
On Nov 19, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad announced the government’s commitment to regulating vape sales under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) which came into force on Oct 1.
Dr Dzulkefly also added that while the Federal government has decided not to impose a national ban on vape sales, state governments retain the authority to implement their own policies, including bans, through local authorities.
-- BERNAMA
