The carnival, which began yesterday, is the largest rural carnival organised by the Rural and Regional Development Ministry. It is taking place at Anjung Floria, Putrajaya until Sunday and aims to attract one million visitors over five days.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will be officiating at the carnival, alongside Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also rural and regional development minister.
The ministry's deputy secretary-general, Datuk Che Murad Sayang Ramjan, said they were optimistic about achieving their target based on the engaging segments and successful rural entrepreneurial products showcased at the carnival.
"The main focus of KUD @ Putrajaya is the showcase of products from more than 800 entrepreneurs. This includes vendors selling hot meals and small traders offering various food and drinks from agencies under the ministry which will generate income through sales or business activities throughout the carnival.
"The majority of rural entrepreneurs participating are in the food and beverage sector, followed closely by the fashion category for
women, men and children, along with beauty and health, handicraft as well as agricultural products.
"Additionally, there are exhibitions and presentations by agencies and subsidiaries involving agencies under the ministry, namely Majlis Amanah Rakyat, the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority, the Department of Community Development and Felcra Bhd."
Others include the Central Terengganu Development Authority (Ketengah), Orang Asli Development Department, Penang Regional Development Authority, South Kelantan Development Authority, Kedah Regional Development Authority (Keda) and Southeast Johor Development Authority (Kejora).
While inspecting the final preparations for the carnival, Che Murad said the content for this carnival was more comprehensive and relevant to market demands. All agencies will provide information on entrepreneurial and economic development programmes, as well as business financing facilities under their respective agencies and subsidiaries.
"KUD @ Putrajaya runs from 10am to 10pm daily, and aims to achieve sales of up to RM10 million, covering cash sales, business
matching and orders," he said.
He believed this could be achieved based on several new products and segments presented in this carnival.
"The ministry has also taken the initiative to introduce rural tourism products or components in KUD @ Putrajaya.
"Keda 's rural tourism visitors are offered glamping at the edge of the padi field while enjoying coffee from its guided rural entrepreneurs.
"Kejora 's rural tourism space showcases the Kejora Ark pavilion, promoting tourist attractions in the region alongside the Kelulut Garden.
"Ketengah 's rural tourism space highlights a special site for herbs and mushrooms, and features a Tasik Kenyir virtual houseboat tour for visitors. There will also be decorated rickshaws at the space.
"Visitors can also participate in activities in the people's sports arena, which allows them to reminisce through childhood games such as sepak raga, batu seremban, coconut bowling and congkak," Che Murad said.
Esport competitions featuring FIFA, PUBG, and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, along with Soccer Drone matches will also be held.
Furthermore, attendees can engage in activities like Soopa Doopa, paintball, archery and fishing competitions.
These activities, he said, are scheduled until evening and are suitable for all levels of society.
Meanwhile, the Mini Orang Asli Village features houses of the Orang Asli tribes, namely the Bateq, Temuan and Senoi tribes. Visitors can enjoy the Sewang dance performance, participate in blowpipe-shooting activities, and witness demonstrations of herbal drink-making, weaving and wood carving.
"This carnival also targets the participation of specific sections of the ministry and agencies that provide entrepreneurship strengthening programmes and financial assistance to rural entrepreneurs.
"KUD @ Putrajaya visitors can attend the Premier Islamic affairs forum with a panel of renowned religious figures, such as Ustaz Harryanto Rizal Rokman, Ustaz Dr Mohd Erfino Johari, Ustaz Datuk Dr Zahazan Mohamed and Amin Idris as the moderator," Che Murad added.
There will be performances by local artistes that include Datuk Ramli Sarip, Datuk Nash, Datuk Khadijah Ibrahim, Ella, Ziana Zain, Khai Bahar, Syamel and Ernie, along with the Floor 88 band.
Members of the public are advised to use the shuttle bus service provided for easier access to the carnival site. The same facilities are available for those taking the MRT train to KUD @ Putrajaya.
A buggy service is available for visitors, especially seniors, pregnant women, children, and persons with disabilities, to explore the event's vast location.
Additionally, porter services using cargo buggies are provided to help visitors transport their purchases to designated drop-off points for easy loading into their vehicles.