ALOR STAR: The federal government has allocated RM83 million to the Kedah Regional Development Authority (Keda) for various infrastructure and economic development programmes this year.
Keda chairman Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom said of the total, RM50.7 million will be allocated for infrastructures and economic development while RM32.5 million has been set aside for management expenses.
"I wish to thank the Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who is also the Rural and Regional Development minister for the RM83 million channelled directly to Keda.
"I hope everyone in Keda will give their full dedication in serving the people of Kedah through various initiatives outlined by the agency," he told reporters after attending a gathering with Keda officers at its headquarters here today.
Present was Keda general-manager Ismasuhaimi Shariff.
Jamil also lauded Keda's initiative in organising 'Jualan Kasih Keda' which offers essential items such as rice, cooking oil, chicken and eggs at subsidised prices during the programme.
Local entrepreneurs nurtured under Keda's Entrepreneurs Development Division took part in the programme.
Meanwhile, Ismasuhaimi said from the total RM50.7 million allocation for development, Keda will be spending RM30.53 million for 11 ongoing and new infrastructure projects including housing projects in Keda territories.
"RM8.45 million has been allocated for six economic and agriculture projects; RM8.87 million is set aside for five human capital development projects while the remaining RM2.3 million is allocated for entrepreneurship development projects in rural areas," he said.
He added that Keda is also expanding its 'Jualan Kasih Keda' initiative to Keda settlements in the state for this year.
"Our aim is to make use of the allocation approved by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as Finance minister and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to sell essential items at subsidised price to the target group.
"We target to organise the sale quarterly with the focus on low-income families in rural areas," he said.