One-foot papaya project boosts Kampung Kuak Hulu's economy
IPOH: Kampung Kuak Hulu in Pengkalan Hulu, one of three villages under the supervision of Kolej Komuniti Gerik, has been selected to receive an allocation of RM100,000 under the Sejahtera Komuniti MADANI (SejaTi MADANI) initiative for its sustainable 'betik sekaki' (one-foot papaya) planting project.
Kampung Kuak Hulu SejaTi MADANI project chairman, Mohd Zaidi Bakri, said the initiative, undertaken by the Kampung Kuak Hulu Village Development and Security Committee (JPKK), aims to help local residents generate income through modern and sustainable agricultural practices.
'Since its implementation in early July last year, the programme has benefited 10 participants. Moreover, it has established an integrated development model that connects the local community with an educational institution,' he added.
'The project also supports the sustainability of the village economy by harnessing its true potential, while empowering the community through training, active participation, and shared responsibility,' he said in a statement issued by Kolej Komuniti Gerik today.
Mohd Zaidi added that each participant is expected to earn a net return of between RM2,000 and RM2,500 once the crops bear fruit, depending on market prices.
Meanwhile, Kampung Kuak Hulu JPKK chairman, Mohd Nazri Md Midah, in the same statement, said that, to prevent fruit oversupply, the JPKK, in collaboration with Kolej Komuniti Gerik, had organised a course on processing papaya into chilli sauce and fruit jam.
He noted that the SejaTi MADANI Project, an initiative inspired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is expected to be expanded to other areas, with a specific focus on local food production, thereby contributing to the national food security chain.
'The MADANI sustainability project involving one-foot papaya planting is one of JPKK's initiatives to encourage youth participation in the agricultural sector,' he added.
Meanwhile, the college said that the community fund is part of the government's effort to promote inclusive community development by harnessing local potential. The villages involved are positioned as key drivers of development through the implementation of high-impact projects aligned with the values of Malaysia MADANI.
SejaTi MADANI is a government initiative under the MADANI framework, aimed at stimulating economic activity at the community level and increasing household income by providing allocations of up to RM100,000 to eligible communities.
The initiative complements the broader MADANI Economy Framework, which prioritises the well-being of the people by raising the income floor and strengthening the community-based economy.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BusinessToday
an hour ago
- BusinessToday
Malaysians Need To Earn Average RM4000 To Introduce GST, Says Anwar
Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the reintroduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) remains unsuitable for now, citing the rakyat's low income threshold as a key concern. Speaking during the Finance Ministry's monthly assembly, Anwar explained that although GST is recognised as an efficient and transparent taxation mechanism, it imposes a comprehensive financial burden — particularly on low-income earners. 'We postponed (GST) because the income of the people was still too low. My opinion at the time was that people with an income of RM2,000 were still affected although we gave some exemptions,' he said. He highlighted how even though basic necessities such as sugar and rice may be exempt, GST still applies indirectly when people purchase other goods or use public transport. 'It is comprehensive,' he noted. The government, according to Anwar, would only revisit GST implementation when the average household income reaches a more reasonable level — at least RM4,000 a month. 'Let the people's income increase first… maybe at that time we can (implement it). Right now, there are people earning RM1,700 or RM2,000,' he said. For now, the government is focused on a more targeted Sales and Service Tax (SST) system. He said tax revenue collected through SST will be channelled into core public sectors such as education and healthcare. 'The allocation for the Ministry of Education from RM58 billion in 2024 has increased to RM64 billion this year. Similarly, for the Ministry of Health, RM41 billion last year… we are adding RM4 billion to make it RM45 billion,' Anwar said. GST was introduced on Apr 1, 2015, with a standard rate of 6%, but was later repealed on Sept 1, 2018, following widespread criticism over its impact on consumers, particularly those from lower income brackets. It was replaced with the SST system. On 9 June, the government announced a targeted review of the Sales Tax rate and an expanded scope for the Service Tax, effective 1 July, aimed at strengthening Malaysia's fiscal position by increasing revenue while protecting essential goods from new taxes. Stressing the importance of macroeconomic balance, Anwar also acknowledged a gap in policy communication. He urged government members to better explain ongoing fisc Related
New Straits Times
an hour ago
- New Straits Times
Retiree loses RM733,300 in online investment scam
GEORGE TOWN: A retired factory worker lost a staggering RM733,300 after falling victim to an online investment scam involving a mobile application known as Falcon PE. The southwest district police headquarters' Commercial Crime Investigation Department received a report from the 66-year-old man on Wednesday. State police chief Datuk Hamzah Ahmad said, based on his report, the scam began in early March, when the victim received a text message from a woman claiming to represent a supposed investment firm, Blue Star AMG. He said the woman promised the victim rapid returns of 10 per cent to 15 per cent within just 20 minutes for any investment made through the Falcon PE app. "Enticed by the high returns, the victim followed the instructions to download the app, register as a user, and begin investing. "Between March 7 and April 24, the victim made 25 money transfers to three different bank accounts, believing they were part of a legitimate investment process. "The scam only became clear when the victim attempted to withdraw profits and was told to make additional payments before the funds could be released," he said in a statement today. Hamzah said, realising he had been scammed, the victim then filed a police report on June 18. The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating. He urged the public to remain vigilant and skeptical of investment schemes promoted online, particularly those promising unusually high or quick returns. The latest incident came less than 48 hours after it was reported that a 47-year-old interior designer lost RM794,000 after being deceived by an online investment scheme known as 'CSECDT,' which was advertised on Facebook.
New Straits Times
3 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Batu Ferringhi coastal erosion project nears completion
GEORGE TOWN: The coastal erosion mitigation project at Batu Ferringhi has made significant progress, with sandbag installation works now 95 per cent completed. State Infrastructure, Transport and Utility Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the initiative, which started in April, was funded through an emergency allocation of RM250,000. "The project, covering a 130m stretch from Rasa Sayang Hotel to Golden Sands Hotel, is now in its final stages, with contractors focusing on finishing works," he said in his latest Facebook entry. He also showed several photos of the work done. Zairil said, in addition to the immediate response, a long-term solution was underway under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), with an estimated cost of RM61 million. He said the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) is currently in the process of appointing surveyor for hydrographic survey of the coastline, which spans from Batu Ferringhi to Tanjung Bunga. "Physical works for the long-term solution are expected to begin next year or 2027," he added. During a visit here in April, Deputy Energy Transition and Water Transformation (Petra) Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said the federal government had approved a RM61 million budget for vital restoration works for Batu Ferringhi following erosion issue. He said the project would focus on both immediate protection and long-term preservation, with particular details to maintaining the beach's attractiveness as a tourist destination. The design, to be finalised this year, would incorporate a combination of solutions such as breakwaters, sand nourishment, and other mitigation measures to stabilise the area and protect the 7km beachfront, stretching from Batu Ferringhi to Tanjung Bunga. The Batu Ferringhi beach, one of Penang's most iconic tourist destinations, has experienced considerable degradation over the past few years due to shifting sand and constant wave action.
