Rubber smallholders under Risda’s Agrofood initiative have seen a significant 40 per cent increase in their average monthly income, rising to RM436 as of May this year from RM238 in December last year. The Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW) affirmed this in a written response on the Parliament website, underscoring its commitment to reaching an average income target of RM500 per month for Agrofood participants by the end of 2025.
To achieve this goal, KKDW, through Risda, is actively providing basic entrepreneurship and technical skills training, including short-term and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses. Responding to inquiries from lawmakers, KKDW disclosed that RM2 million has been allocated this year to support nearly 1,000 Agrofood participants nationwide.
“As of May 2024, 14 series of short-term and TVET courses have been launched, with an additional 30 series scheduled for completion by November,” the ministry stated. It also clarified that the establishment of the Madani Village Development Committee (JKDM) in Sabah and several states in Peninsular Malaysia aims to streamline rural community development efforts, prevent duplication of resources, and enhance socio-economic activities aimed at eliminating poverty.
JKDM will collaborate closely with the Community Development Department and non-governmental organisations to spearhead initiatives and coordinate socio-economic programs effectively. This initiative is set to complement the existing Village Development and Security Committees in selected states, ensuring cohesive and impactful rural development across the nation.
