PANTAI REMIS, 16 Nov (Bernama) -- Regional and Rural Development Minister Tan Sri Muhammad Muhd Taib says RM525 million from the RM7 billion stimulus package announced by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak recently would be used to build 15,000 houses for the hardcore poor.
"Once the two or three room houses are completed, 90 percent of the housing problems faced by hardcore poor families would be solved because under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (RMK-9) a total of 20,450 houses would be build.
"To expedite work on the construction, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has set up a committee and work will start next year," he said after opening the 'Apa Khabar Orang Kampung' programme in Kampung Matang Acheh, Pantai Remis here today.
He said construction works must start quickly to help stimulate the economy at all the identified areas.
Construction works on 74 rural road projects that were previously abandoned due to rising costs of raw material, would also be completed at a cost of RM500 million, he said.
"Also in the pipeline is the completion of 1,600km of village roads under the villages road project and the setting up of 200 child care centers/kindergarten so as to improve the quality of education for the rural young.
Meanwhile, Muhammad urged members of the Village Development Committees to play a role in developing the economic sector in their respective villages.
"The government has initiated various training programmes, loan facilities and grants to help those in the rural areas to become successful businessmen without going to the city," he said.
He added that those who wished to do business should plan and decide on the type of business that they wish to venture and contact the committee for guidance.
-- BERNAMA
