Ministry of Rural and Regional Development’s depts, agencies need to utilise communication and digital tech

PUTRAJAYA (Feb 9): All departments and agencies under the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development were told on Thursday (Feb 9) to utilise communication and digital technology to channel information to the rural community, as well as obtain data and information about the target group.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also rural and regional development minister, said that internet access and the use of smartphones should be fully utilised, including for collecting data directly from the rural community.

“Every data obtained is processed and analysed by the ministry and agencies in the process of making decisions. It can also be shared with other ministries to formulate national policies that are more up-to-date and close to the pulse of the people,” he said when speaking at the ministry’s monthly assembly here on Thursday.

However, Ahmad Zahid reminded the ministry’s staff to not abandon human interaction, but to wisely combine technological and digital developments with personal touch.

“Despite our enthusiasm and desire to advance in mastering the digital field, believe me, with a sincere smile and courtesy, we will not only get the cooperation of the target group, but also the personal satisfaction we get in being able to help them.

“Remember that the relevance of the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development is with the people in villages and rural areas. They need to be helped. They long for a good quality of life, a comfortable economic standard and justice in the development of the country,” he added.

At the event, Ahmad Zahid also launched the 2022-2026 strategic plan for the Community Development Department (Kemas), which will further strengthen the function of the department in the rural community.

At a media conference after the ceremony, he said that the Kemas strategic plan is important in creating a Malaysia Madani society.

Currently, there are 208,358 children attending 10,741 Kemas kindergartens nationwide.