On the same page: Ahmad Zahid (left) posing for a photo before chairing the Mexclub meeting in Kuching, Sarawak. — ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
KUCHING: Rural development will continue to be prioritised in Budget 2024 so that no one will be left behind, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said 8.01 million people in Malaysia, or 24.5% of the population, still live in rural areas.
“This will spur and strengthen rural development so that people in rural areas will not be left behind,” he told a press conference after chairing the Rural and Regional Development Ministry’s coordination meeting with rural executive councillors (Mexclub) here yesterday.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said his ministry had submitted its request for allocations to the Economy Ministry and Treasury for consideration.
He also said Sarawak’s regional development agencies are a “game changer” which other states could learn from.
