PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today said his government is allocating RM1 bil next year for the Dana Komuniti Madani initiative which is destined to help rural communities start their economic projects.Inaugurating the KUD@Putrajaya 2023 Village Entrepreneurs Carnival, Anwar made the announcement of a significant allocation of RM1 bil for the initiative in 2024. The funds will be doubled if it shows success.However, he said he wanted to see progress in the villages or desa as it will involve initiatives listed by the people who will be given the funds.Anwar added that through the initiative, each village, longhouse or People’s Housing Project (PPR) will be given a maximum fund of RM100,000 to start economic projects such as handicrafts or hydroponics.“Money (funds) is given to the village chiefs after discussions that will help decide what economic projects are needed for their villages.“I want to see the villagers decide and run (economic projects) at a low cost, manage the projects with RM100,000 funding to see what can be done,” he said, adding that the funding may be increased to RM2 bil if it shows success,” Bernama quoted him as saying.Anwar also encouraged rural communities to initiate economic projects and assured assistance from government agencies like the Department of Agriculture or MARA if needed.He emphasised that the funds’ specific purpose is economic generation, discouraging their use for infrastructure repairs.Anwar urged responsible spending and adherence to guidelines, highlighting the new government approach expected to involve millions of adults in economic development.“Spend wisely and follow the rules,” he said. – Nov 25, 2023
Main photo credit: Straits Times
