{
  "id": 13107338,
  "title": "Zahid satisfied with RM12.6bil Rural Ministry allocation despite modest increase",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/zahid-satisfied-with-rm12-6bil-rural-ministry-allocation-despite",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-09T12:03:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/10/1551838/zahid-satisfied-rm126bil-rural-ministry-allocation-despite-modest"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Deputy Prime Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi expressed satisfaction with the RM12.68 billion allocation for the Rural and Regional Development Ministry in the 2027 Budget, acknowledging the relatively small increase. Zahid, who serves as the rural and regional development minister, appreciated the government's focus on rural development despite the financial situation. He emphasized that the ministry's priority is to ensure effective use of the allocation, particularly for programs delivering significant benefits to rural communities. The RM12.6 billion would support ongoing programs and high-impact initiatives, especially those benefiting Orang Asli communities, with attention directed towards rural infrastructure development, particularly improving connectivity. The budget also addressed other areas, such as the halal industry and entrepreneurship development, aiming to support the government's broader objectives of expanding exports and easing financial pressures on middle-income households. Zahid highlighted the budget as a focused financial plan, aiming for programmes with measurable benefits rather than solely emphasizing the allocation size.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has expressed satisfaction with the RM12.68 billion allocation for the Rural and Regional Development Ministry under 2027 Budget, despite acknowledging that the increase was relatively small.",
  "key_points": [
    "Deputy Prime Minister Zahid pleased with RM12.68B Rural Ministry budget.",
    "Acknowledges modest increase despite government focus on rural development.",
    "Prioritizes effective use for Orang Asli programs and rural infrastructure."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}