Kampung Angkat Madani reflects National Day theme, says Chief Secretary

By NST in August 31, 2025 – Reading time 3 minute

PUTRAJAYA: The Kampung Angkat Madani initiative reflects this year’s National Day theme, “Malaysia Madani: Rakyat Disantuni”, said Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.

The programme, which has been expanded to 200 villages this year, is expected to benefit more than 300,000 people.

In an interview with Media Prima Bhd, Shamsul Azri said the programme aimed to complete projects within a year and prioritised essential infrastructure like roads, water and electricity supply, rather than initiatives he described as “nice-to-have”.

“We want the people, public servants and senior officials to appreciate these villages so that we can instill the spirit of uplifting the poor and rural communities in them.

“Government agencies, from top management down to the ground level, will go to villages to carry out community work and development,” he said.

He cited his adopted village of Kampung Batu Balak in Ulu Tembeling, Jerantut, Pahang, as an example.

“Residents have lived without proper water supply for 67 years. When we go down to the ground, we can see for ourselves how many more services can be delivered to the people there,” he said.

Shamsul Azri said that each village was allocated RM1 million for infrastructure projects, with an additional RM200,000 available for technical and vocational education and training initiatives.

The adopted village programme, he said, was implemented through a whole-of-nation approach.

It is spearheaded by the Finance Ministry and monitored by the Prime Minister’s Department’s Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU).

Multiple agencies are involved, such as state water authorities, Islamic religious councils and district councils.

“The goal is to balance development between urban and rural communities.

“Urban areas have complete facilities, but many rural areas are left behind. This is about inclusivity, ensuring no one is left behind,” he said.

For his adopted village, four projects were carried out: improving the water supply, building a new mosque, and improvements to a bridge and roads.

He said 47 villages were involved in the first phase last year, with 97 per cent of projects completed. The projects in the 200 villages this year are 70 per cent complete.

“Once completed, these projects will benefit 335,552 residents,” he said.

To ensure timely completion, the ICU holds monthly reviews and updates are presented to the Special Task Force on Agency Reform chaired by Shamsul Azri.

“There have been no delays; everything is on schedule. All heads of department and secretaries-general have given their full attention, as directed by the prime minister,” he said.

Shamsul Azri gave an assurance that he would contact heads of department if there were unresolved issues.

“These are simple projects, such as upgrading roads, installing solar lights or repairing bridges, not rocket science.

“Some, like water supply, may take longer, but overall, most projects can be completed within a year,” he said.

Asked if he had identified any shortcomings during site visits, he said inter-agency coordination should be improved.

“For example, a road was newly paved, but another contractor later came to lay cables and damaged it. Coordination between agencies is crucial to avoid such issues,” he said.

The Kampung Angkat Madani was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim when tabling the 2024 Budget, with 43 villages receiving RM107 million in infrastructure improvements.