Multimillion-ringgit village project lifts income, strengthens rural economy

By Sofia Nasir

SHAH ALAM, May 23 — Over 120 entrepreneurs from Selangor have received aid in the form of agricultural equipment and input through the Integrated Village Economic Development Project (Prospek), an initiative that aims to help them generate income. 

State executive councillor for rural development Datuk Rizam Ismail said over RM6.4 million has been allocated for the project since 2021, which involves 10 villages and includes the construction of rain shelters, sheds, and storage units. 

He added that selected entrepreneurs were also given basic training, along with courses on packaging technology and digital marketing to ensure they become self-reliant and competitive. 

“In terms of infrastructure, we have upgraded various facilities, constructed landmarks and beautified several villages. This is not only to ensure comfort, but to create an identity that the community can be proud of,” he said. 

He said this during the Prospek agricultural equipment and input handover ceremony for the Sabak Bernam district, at Astaka Rakyat, Sungai Air Tawar, yesterday.

Rizam said the state’s Rural Development Committee has received a RM1 million allocation under Prospek this year to implement aid programmes and infrastructure repair works. 

Among the planned projects is a provision of RM10,000 each for 10 recipients from the small and medium industry, along with agricultural input support.

“We will also carry out infrastructure upgrades in villages and build Prospek landmarks as a symbol of the state government’s commitment, as well as help repair the homes of 15 eligible families,” he said.

Rizam, who is the Sungai Air Tawar assemblyman, stressed that such programmes can only succeed with the support of all parties, including implementing agencies and the community.

He said the assistance provided must be used responsibly, and the knowledge gained through training should be applied for the long term.

“With continuous effort and strong collaboration, Sabak Bernam will continue to stand out as a model district for rural development, not only in terms of physical progress but also in economic and social resilience,” he said.

Prospek is a programme under the Rural and Regional Development Ministry that focuses on developing the economy, infrastructure, and human capital in existing villages.