Today's top Malaysian news, sport and lifestyle.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has stressed the importance of strengthening FELDA to uplift settlers and their families, while ensuring economic sustainability and addressing challenges facing younger-generation farmers.
Pakatan Harapan's Ahmad Daniel is campaigning to transform Panti into an eco-tourism hub, leveraging the constituency's untapped natural assets like Kampung Temenin rapids to boost local employment and economic growth.
Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin's Dapur Komuniti tackles the persistent problem of agricultural oversupply in Terengganu by converting unsold produce into value-added products, while providing skills training to local farmers and veterans.
Malaysia's Essential Goods Distribution Programme has successfully narrowed price gaps between urban and rural areas, with RM250 million allocated this year benefiting 1.03 million residents across six states.
Malaysia's Transport Ministry has allocated RM100,000 to upgrade community facilities in Kampung Bukit Temiang under the MADANI Adopted Village Programme, combining government and ministerial funds for phased infrastructure improvements.
Malaysia's Upper Rajang Development Agency is pivoting towards an innovation-driven rural economy, partnering with universities and development bodies to help communities adopt technology and move beyond raw commodity production.
Malaysia's Education Ministry is committed to eliminating the digital divide by 2035, pledging universal high-speed internet access and equitable device distribution across all schools, building on recent gains in closing urban-rural achievement gaps.
Perak authorities have distributed land ownership grants to 47 participants in the FELCRA Seri Gala scheme, underscoring the success of a rural development model that combines land consolidation with community economic growth.
The government is reviewing amendments to the Land (Group Settlement Areas) Act 1960 to address housing pressures on FELDA settlers' descendants, including proposals to limit heir registrations and allow multiple house units on residential lots.
Terengganu has committed RM3.78 million to developing Kenyir Geopark in Hulu Terengganu, targeting UNESCO Global Geopark recognition while strengthening its national status. Visitor arrivals more than doubled in 2024.
Melaka has committed RM2 million towards comprehensive flood management in Sungai Rambai, upgrading drainage systems and irrigation infrastructure to protect residents from seasonal inundation.
Kelantan's new Chicha 2 Water Treatment Plant is 97% complete and will begin operations in September, delivering treated water to over 13,000 residents across five districts and reactivating 10,000 dormant accounts.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke has emphasised that the Kampung Angkat MADANI programme is an established nationwide rural development scheme launched two years ago, not timed to coincide with state elections.
The Malaysian cabinet has green-lit 24 additional Tok Batin posts across Orang Asli villages, aiming to bolster community leadership structures and accelerate targeted development programmes. Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced the decision during an engagement visit to Endau.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has unveiled a comprehensive seven-point incentive package for Felda settlers, addressing housing renewal, digital literacy, education access, healthcare provision, and workforce welfare improvements across the plantation agency.
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has proposed returning a portion of FGV Holdings' land to FELDA, aiming to strengthen the agency's finances and accelerate debt repayment while improving settler welfare.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has warned the Federal Land Development Authority to avoid repeating historical mistakes as it grapples with a RM980 million debt burden, emphasising the need for stronger governance standards.
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has lauded FELDA settlers as the cornerstone of the land scheme's seven-decade success, acknowledging their pioneering sacrifices and calling for continued inspiration of future generations.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced the government will amend the Land (Group Settlement Areas) Act 1960 to permit multiple dwellings on individual FELDA settler lots, addressing housing demands across seven Malaysian states.
In a closely watched Johor state election contest, PH candidate Abd Razak Ismail has made internet connectivity his flagship campaign promise for Benut, while incumbent-backed BN candidate Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan emphasises local roots and grassroots engagement.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is officiating the Federal Land Development Authority's 70th anniversary celebration in Maran, recognizing seven decades of rural economic transformation since 1956.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called for Malaysia's rural development strategy to integrate with global economic priorities, positioning the National Rural Economic Agenda as a critical blueprint for balanced national growth.
Pakatan Harapan candidate Md Yusof Dawam has unveiled his vision for Tenggaroh, targeting youth housing shortages and economic development within Felda settlements ahead of July 11 polling.
Desa Murni Kerdau in Temerloh, Pahang has been recognised with three major awards at the World Rural Development Day 2026 celebration, including the 2025 MADANI Rural Aspiration Award Champion title, acknowledging its achievements in village governance and community enterprise.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has committed to addressing longstanding land ownership and housing difficulties faced by Felda settlers across Malaysia, signalling government intervention in a sensitive rural welfare issue.
FELCRA Bhd has announced its first interim profit distribution of RM126.9 million for 2026, benefiting more than 72,000 participants nationwide. The amount represents a 7.6 per cent increase from the previous year.
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has urged rural Malaysia to adopt a regional and global outlook, emphasising that domestic development alone is insufficient for sustainable growth in competitive international markets.
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has underscored the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development's responsibility in advancing rural development, marking Malaysia's first World Rural Development Day celebration on July 6.
The Malaysian Palm Oil Board will construct a RM20-25 million research station in Melaka's Sungai Rambai area, featuring model plantations, R&D facilities, and training centres to boost the state's palm oil industry and support smallholders.
Pakatan Harapan's Guna Balakrishnan has unveiled a six-point manifesto for Layang-Layang focusing on flood mitigation, rural infrastructure, and youth empowerment in the upcoming Johor state election.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is convening an urgent meeting with Federal Land Development Authority leadership to tackle persistent grievances affecting Felda settlers nationwide.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has committed to tackling the unresolved housing crisis affecting second-generation FELDA settlers, acknowledging the issue requires coordination with state governments over land and infrastructure provision.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced the government will intensify support for Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia, positioning the microfinance institution as a cornerstone initiative to ensure disadvantaged communities nationwide receive assistance.
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.
The federal government has inherited nearly RM1 billion in annual debt obligations from Felda, stemming from historical administrative mismanagement, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim disclosed in Johor Baru.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has revealed that Malaysia's federal government carries a nearly RM1 billion annual debt burden from Felda, stemming from administrative failures in the organisation's past leadership.
Malaysia aims to halve its food imports by 2050, targeting a 15% reduction by 2030 and 30% by 2040. Deputy PM Ahmad Zahid says the initiative will leverage idle government land for farming.
Sedili incumbent Muszaide Makmor is banking on agricultural technology partnerships and a new palm oil mill to secure a second term in the Johor election, promising 200+ jobs and expanded opportunities for Felda settlers.
Politeknik Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin has launched a RM500,000 commercial eel farming project in Perlis, equipping five communities with aquaculture expertise and resources to generate sustainable income over six months.
The MyLesen B2 programme has resumed operations in Pensiangan, Sabah, bringing motorcycle licensing services directly to rural communities and reducing barriers for residents seeking legal riding qualifications.
Malaysia's domestic trade ministry will examine ways to support island communities in Peninsular Malaysia that depend on private boats for transport, and review procedures to include registered elderly care homes in diesel subsidy programmes.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has denied imposing restrictions on programmes in FELDA settlements, clarifying that the government only prohibits use of government machinery for election campaigning.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has categorically denied issuing any instruction to cancel the 2026 Johor Felda Settlers' Day celebration scheduled for Kluang, distancing himself from the controversial decision announced earlier this month.
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid has indicated that Budget 2027 will assess proposals for new rural roads in Sabah and Sarawak that currently lack adequate access to major towns and population centres.
Malaysia's Ministry of Higher Education is advancing plans for a 700-student hostel in Betong, Sarawak, to support technical education expansion in rural areas and improve student welfare at Politeknik Metro Betong.
Pakatan Harapan candidate Guna Balakrishnan is campaigning on a platform of resolving persistent infrastructure problems and creating local employment opportunities in Johor's Layang-Layang constituency ahead of the July 11 state election.
Pakatan Harapan candidate Danish Hossman Abd Rahman, 23, is campaigning in Johor Lama on a platform of attracting investment and creating employment for young people, particularly in Felda communities.
Four participants have died during mandatory military-style training for managers of Indonesia's Red and White Rural Cooperatives programme. The deaths have triggered demands from lawmakers and civil rights organisations to suspend or fundamentally redesign the initiative.
A total of 885 residents from rural Julau have completed the Class B2 Probationary Driving Licence Assistance Programme, gaining eligibility for subsidised fuel—a significant relief for smallholders and rural workers facing rising petrol costs.
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Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has dismissed suggestions that a directive was issued to restrict access by Felda chairman Onn Hafiz to Felda settlements, calling such allegations baseless.
Johor has successfully processed 99.99 per cent of land title applications for Federal Land Development Authority settlers, resolving a decades-old grievance affecting thousands of rural families across the state.
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Rim assemblyman Datuk Khaidirah Abu Zahar is steering the constituency toward economic resilience by developing community tourism attractions and supporting local industries including batik, food production, and homestays.
The Ministry of Plantation and Commodities has committed RM100,000 to enhance educational infrastructure at SK Bendang Kering in Kuala Kangsar, installing modern facilities and launching academic development initiatives to support rural students.
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The Department of Orang Asli Development reports that over 224,000 indigenous people across Peninsular Malaysia are accessing government-backed initiatives covering education, healthcare, business support and community infrastructure development.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that the country's economic progress must be distributed fairly across all segments of society, with particular attention to rural farmers, fishermen and lower-income communities.