Rina (third right), Ahmad Kamal Idris (fourth right) and others observe a ‘Kek Lapis’ baking demonstration.
KUCHING: The Ministry of Rural Development will be overseeing the effectiveness and impact of the kits given to rural entrepreneurs trained under the Community Development Department (Kemas).
Minister Datuk Seri Rina Harun says through such supervision, the ministry hopes to see improvements in the performance of these entrepreneurs in terms of sales, adding that without supervision, the kits would not be fully utilised and thus, they would be wasted.
“Before this, there was no supervision. Now with supervision by the ministry, we would like to see what happens to the rural entrepreneurs when we provide them the kits – whether or not there are improvements or any increase in terms of their sales.
“We want to see them become successful entrepreneurs and not just someone who solely becomes the recipient of the aid,” she told a press conference following the handing-over of ‘Quick Win’ kits to participants of the programme at the Kemas Food Centre in Kampung Semariang Batu here yesterday.
It is learnt that the Quick Win programme is a short-term course set to help the trainees start their own businesses in order to increase their incomes.
The participants are provided with the kits as a platform for them to optimise the production of their products.
Rina regarded the Quick Win programme as a way to close the gap between urban and rural areas, as well as improve the income of the rural folk.
She said from last year to August this year, more than RM1 million had been allocated by Kemas for the programme.
“Under the Shared Prosperity Vision 2021-2030, we aim to close the gap between the urban and rural areas, between states and federal territories.
“Aside from focusing on physical infrastructure development, the programme is also held to increase the income of those who are from rural areas,” she added.
Kemas deputy director-general (operations) Ahmad Kamal Idris Mohd Nawawi was among those present at the event.