In-depth reporting on Malaysia and the region.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has signalled that a special task force examining the Federal Land Development Authority's operations will complete its work and release recommendations within the next few months.
Malaysia's Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation launched the National Science Week Carnival 2026 in Sarawak, aiming to build technology literacy in remote and rural communities across the state.
Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil is advocating for a nationwide expansion of digital safety awareness programmes into rural and FELDA communities, arguing that rural residents deserve equal access to internet safety education and digital entrepreneurship training.
The Malaysian government allocates RM980 million annually to cover deficits at FELDA, the Federal Land Development Authority, stemming from prior management failures. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim disclosed the substantial fiscal burden during a recent address.
Malaysia's upper house heard updates on RM414 million road infrastructure projects in Sarawak, new community unity programmes, and a legal literacy scheme benefiting 84,000 women nationwide.
Malaysia aims to achieve a minimum rubber price of RM5 per kilogramme by end-2027 to enhance incomes for over 500,000 smallholders. Deputy PM Ahmad Zahid says the target requires innovation beyond market forces and improved productivity through technology adoption.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has attributed nearly RM10 billion in losses at the Federal Land Development Authority to mismanagement and political interference, rather than any shortcomings by the settlers themselves.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has disclosed that Felda accumulated nearly RM10 billion in accumulated losses stemming from prolonged mismanagement and political interference. The revelation underscores deeper structural issues within Malaysia's largest land settlement scheme.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is demanding swift implementation of seven previously announced initiatives aimed at supporting Felda settlers, with monthly progress reports to track execution across the government apparatus.
Malaysia's Ministry of Higher Education has approved construction of Jelai Community College in Lipis, Pahang, a RM55 million facility targeting rural students with programmes in modern agriculture and agrotechnology.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is demanding accelerated rollout of seven Felda reform initiatives, responding to mounting frustration among settler communities over implementation timelines and programme effectiveness.
Malaysia has green-lit support for 144,894 agricultural smallholders as the government launches a nationwide information campaign to help farmers access financial aid and technical services.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is pressing for rapid deployment of seven initiatives designed to aid Federal Land Development Authority settlers, citing frustration with slow implementation timelines that exhaust beneficiaries.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim plans to present a Cabinet paper within a month outlining a second-home initiative for Felda settlers, signalling fresh efforts to improve housing conditions for the agricultural community.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will present a comprehensive policy paper to Cabinet within the coming month outlining Malaysia's Felda second-housing initiative, signalling the government's commitment to improving living standards for scheme settlers.
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid has instructed the Community Development Department to convert all key positions to permanent status and enhance teacher compensation, recognizing KEMAS's six-decade track record in community development.
Malaysia's social welfare department is reshaping rural development through the MADANI Adopted Village Programme, investing RM600,000 in Kampung Sungai Setar Besar to combine physical infrastructure improvements with human capital development and vocational training.
Pahang has resolved land title applications for 99.5 per cent of its 43,600 FELDA settlers, with Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail pledging to finalise remaining inheritance cases this year.
Malaysia's Ministry of Rural and Regional Development is restructuring the Desa Lestari Programme to target monthly household incomes of RM2,300 for participating rural communities, moving beyond cosmetic rebranding to fundamental reforms in programme delivery and management.
Negeri Sembilan voters entering the state election are prioritizing accessibility and concrete results over traditional political divides, with cost of living and equitable development emerging as dominant concerns.
The Pahang state government has unveiled ambitious targets for MAHA Pahang 2026, expecting over 100,000 visitors and RM1.3 million in sales during the four-day agricultural exhibition scheduled for July 30 to August 2 at Dataran Raub.
Sabah is piloting an elephant sanctuary in Tawau to ease human-wildlife conflicts. If effective, the model could expand statewide, replacing failed relocation strategies with community-centred conservation.
Malaysia's KEMAS kindergarten programme will introduce smartboards and AI-powered learning tools across all classes nationwide by year-end 2025, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid announced, enhancing digital exposure for children from age two.
The Malaysian government has earmarked RM10 million this year to expand the Special Fishermen Housing Project (PKPN) across the country, with most states in various construction phases and targets set for completion by August.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has emphasised the importance of continuously strengthening FELDA to uplift settlers and their families, with focus on economic competitiveness and younger generation concerns.
A major road project linking Sapulut to Pensiangan town in Sabah's interior has been completed, halving travel times and opening new opportunities for remote communities while laying groundwork for cross-border development.
Malaysia's Essential Goods Distribution Programme has narrowed price disparities between rural and urban markets, delivering controlled prices for staples to over one million residents across six states with RM250 million in annual funding.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke has allocated RM100,000 to Kampung Bukit Temiang for community facility upgrades under the MADANI Adopted Village Programme, combining funds from the Railway Assets Corporation and his allocation as Seremban MP.
Malaysia's Education Ministry is committed to eliminating the digital divide under its new Education Blueprint 2026-2035, pledging universal high-speed internet connectivity and digital competency training for all students nationwide.
Tan Sri Ahmad Badri Mohd Zahir, a veteran of Malaysia's financial sector with 30+ years of experience, has been appointed chairman of FELDA. His appointment comes as the authority seeks to accelerate its modernisation and strengthen value creation for settlers.
Malaysia's Ministry of Human Resources is intensifying efforts to create competitive employment opportunities in rural regions, implementing wage reforms and skills programmes to discourage youth migration to urban centres.
Forty-seven participants in Perak's FELCRA Seri Gala Area Village Rearrangement Programme have received land ownership grants, marking another milestone in the federal agency's effort to lift rural communities through asset ownership and sustainable agricultural development.
The Malaysian government is reviewing improvements to land administration under the Land (Group Settlement Areas) Act 1960, addressing inheritance rights and housing needs for the new generation of FELDA settlers.
Malaysia is overhauling its TVET 2.0 framework with direct industry accreditation to ensure graduates meet labour market demands. The initiative emphasises advanced technology skills, entrepreneurship, and rural economic development.
The Sungai Rambai state constituency has received RM2 million in funding for comprehensive flood mitigation initiatives, including drainage system enhancements and irrigation upgrades to address the area's vulnerability as a natural water catchment.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke has clarified that the Kampung Angkat MADANI programme is an ongoing nationwide rural development initiative unrelated to state elections, launched two years ago and rolled out in phases.
Malaysia's cabinet has approved 24 new Tok Batin positions for Orang Asli villages nationwide. Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi says the move aims to strengthen grassroots leadership and improve coordination between indigenous communities and government development initiatives.
Residents of Pulau Tinggi's two villages are urging the incoming Johor state representative to prioritise a crumbling jetty repair and housing assistance for B40 fishermen, with applications pending since March.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has unveiled a seven-pronged assistance initiative targeting Felda settlers and staff, encompassing housing solutions, digital skills training, educational support, and healthcare provisions.
Malaysia's government has unveiled a RM29 million support package for FELDA settlements, targeting digital literacy, school infrastructure, and healthcare services as the agricultural community marks seven decades of operation.
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid has proposed returning portions of land currently managed by FGV Holdings to FELDA, aiming to strengthen the authority's financial position and accelerate debt repayment while improving settler welfare.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has cautioned Felda's leadership to prevent recurrence of historical missteps that contributed to the organisation's RM980 million debt burden, stressing the importance of transparent administration.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has urged FELDA's board and management to strengthen governance standards and avoid repeating past administrative mistakes that have cost the government nearly RM1 billion annually in debt servicing.
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid has paid tribute to FELDA settlers on their 70th anniversary, recognising their pivotal role in transforming Malaysia's agricultural landscape and nation-building efforts.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that Malaysia will amend Act 530 to permit multiple houses on individual FELDA settler lots. The Cabinet will review draft changes within two months, with parliamentary tabling expected later this year.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is set to officiate the Federal Land Development Authority's 70th anniversary celebration at Stadium Tun Abdul Razak in Jengka, recognising the contributions of FELDA settlers since the organisation's establishment in 1956.
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has emphasised that Malaysia's National Rural Economic Agenda should serve as a strategic blueprint, ensuring rural communities advance in harmony with global development priorities and international standards.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has directed FELDA to accelerate efforts in resolving persistent challenges affecting settlers, particularly second-generation housing and land ownership issues, signalling the government's commitment to improving conditions for settler families.
Desa Murni Kerdau in Temerloh, Pahang has won three major awards at World Rural Development Day 2026, including the MADANI Rural Aspiration Award Champion title, in recognition of its strong governance and entrepreneurial community initiatives.
FELCRA Bhd has announced its first interim profit distribution of RM126.9 million for 2026, representing a 7.6% increase from last year. The funds will benefit more than 72,000 participants nationwide through 747 profitable projects.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has urged rural entrepreneurs to look beyond domestic markets, advocating for expansion into ASEAN and the global halal economy as part of a broader development strategy.
Pakatan Harapan's Guna Balakrishnan has unveiled a 100-day action plan for Layang-Layang, focusing on rural infrastructure gaps and agricultural theft in the three-way contest ahead of July 11 polling.
Malaysia celebrated its inaugural World Rural Development Day on July 6, with Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid emphasising the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development's commitment to elevating rural prosperity through digitalisation and entrepreneurship.
An oil palm smallholder in Johor has transformed a RM15,000 government grant into nearly RM126,000 in gross income through an innovative duck farming venture on his plantation, showcasing how agricultural integration can diversify rural earnings.
Pakatan Harapan's Guna Balakrishnan has unveiled a comprehensive manifesto for Layang-Layang, pledging action on flooding, rural connectivity, youth skills training, and senior citizen welfare as the Johor state election approaches.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has summoned Felda management to his office to tackle persistent complaints from settlers. The meeting signals renewed government attention to agricultural scheme concerns.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has committed to strengthening government backing for Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM), positioning the microfinance initiative as a cornerstone antipoverty effort to ensure rural and marginalised communities receive essential support.
Malaysia celebrates World Rural Development Day for the first time on July 6 at Tun Abdul Razak Stadium in Jengka, with Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi officiating. The event emphasises rural innovation, digital access, and entrepreneurship.
Perak's state government has allocated RM500,000 for rebuilding a concrete bridge in Kampung Ulu Geruntum, Gopeng, following its destruction during a water surge that forced 50 residents to evacuate in mid-June.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has urged Johor to pursue more equitable development that reaches rural areas and urban poor, rather than concentrating on large-scale infrastructure projects alone.
Malaysia is targeting a 50% reduction in food imports by 2050 as part of a long-term food security strategy. Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi outlined a phased approach with 15% cuts targeted by 2030.
Barisan Nasional's Muszaide Makmor, seeking re-election in Sedili, has unveiled plans for university-backed agro-technology initiatives and a large palm oil mill to create jobs and boost rural incomes ahead of Johor's July 11 state election.
The MyLesen B2 programme has returned to Pensiangan, Sabah, enabling rural residents to obtain motorcycle riding licences locally. The initiative aims to reduce road accidents and create economic opportunities for youths and adults aged 16 to 63.
The Malaysian government has earmarked RM10 million for the Special Fishermen Housing Project this year, splitting funds between repairing 344 homes and constructing 36 new units nationwide. Officials also push aquaculture as a sustainable income alternative.
Pakatan Harapan's Nur Hafiz Roslan is positioning himself as the solution to Machap's youth drain, pledging infrastructure improvements and employment opportunities to reverse a demographic shift that has left seniors comprising 60% of residents.
Malaysia's Finance Ministry and banking sector have jointly agreed to eliminate the RM1 interbank ATM withdrawal fee starting July 1, expanding cash access across 14,000 machines nationwide and easing costs for rural communities.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has clarified that the government has not prohibited programmes in FELDA settlements, but stressed that election laws prevent the use of federal machinery for campaign purposes.
Tangkak DAP incumbent Ee Chin Li is contesting for a fourth consecutive term, promising to revive the long-delayed Tangkak New District Administrative Centre project as a catalyst for socioeconomic growth in the rural constituency.
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has signalled that proposals for constructing new rural roads connecting remote communities in Sabah and Sarawak to major towns will be evaluated for inclusion in the 2027 budget.
The youngest candidate in Johor's 16th state election, Danish Hossman, is campaigning on bringing investment and employment to rural Johor Lama to reduce youth outmigration to urban areas and abroad.
Malaysia has begun exporting its premium MD2 pineapples to New Zealand, marking the country's entry into the Pacific market. The initiative is projected to generate RM4.3 million annually and represents a strategic diversification beyond traditional Asian markets.
MNRB Holdings has distributed nearly RM600,000 across six schools nationwide through its Lestari Cemerlang Programme, a corporate social responsibility initiative launched in 2011 that emphasises academic achievement and rural education development.