Malaysia Aims to Lead Global Rural Development

Malaysia is determined to elevate rural development to new heights, positioning village communities as key drivers of national progress and leaders in regional and global development. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi asserted that modern rural development transcends mere physical infrastructure, prioritizing human capital growth, community economic strengthening, and citizen well-being.

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Rural communities are not just recipients of aid, but strategic partners to the government in planning and implementing development.

This approach aligns with the theme of the 2026 World Rural Development Day celebration, 'Towards Dynamic, Prosperous, and Happy Rural Communities,' held for the first time in Malaysia. "A village's success today is no longer measured by the number of roads built or the land cultivated, but by its ability to produce knowledgeable, skilled, and competitive citizens capable of shaping their own futures," Ahmad Zahid stated.

He added that rural communities are not just recipients of aid but strategic partners in planning and implementing development. The success of Malaysia's Felda land schemes serves as an internationally recognized model for rural development. The United Nations has acknowledged Malaysia's rural development policies, confirming the nation is on the right track for comprehensive village community development.

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A village's success today is no longer measured by the number of roads built or the land cultivated, but by its ability to produce knowledgeable, skilled, and competitive citizens capable of shaping their own futures.

Malaysia has also proposed the creation of an ASEAN Rural Development and Innovation Council (ARDIC) to coordinate policies, share best practices, and enhance rural development innovation among ASEAN nations. The country is exploring the establishment of an ASEAN Halal Council to bolster the regional halal industry, with Pahang designated as the site for the nation's largest halal industry hub. Ahmad Zahid urged Malaysian rural products and brands to penetrate international markets, noting ASEAN's population of over 680 million and an economy nearing RM16 trillion, with the global halal market projected to reach RM20 trillion by 2030.

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Malaysian rural products and brands must dare to penetrate international markets because ASEAN has more than 680 million people with an economic value of nearly RM16 trillion, while the global halal market is expected to be worth about RM20 trillion by 2030.