The “Sentuhan Kasih Desa” programme being held in the Central Terengganu Development Authority (KETENGAH) region is expected to attract more than 10,000 visitors.
KETENGAH general manager Datuk Tengku Ahmad Nadzri Tengku Musa said various community and entrepreneurship programmes have been lined up for the three-day programme beginning today.
He said Terengganu is the final destination for the programme, which had been held in Selangor, Kelantan, Negeri Sembilan and Penang.
“The main objective of this programme is to strengthen ties between leaders and the community through community activities, initiatives and direct aid for the community.
“It is also a channel for people to get information on programmes and the achievements of the Rural and Development Ministry (KKDW) and agencies under it,” he said when met at the programme at Bandar Al Muktafi Billah Shah (AMBS) near here today.
Tengku Ahmad Nadzri said the Sentuhan Kasih Desa in Terengganu is different from those held in the other states because the activities here focus on youths and women as the pillars of empowerment for strengthening the national economy.
He said two major events for these groups would be held tomorrow, involving some 10,000 participants.
“Tomorrow morning we have the Himpunan Wanita Madani with Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang. Some 5,000 women from within and outside the KETENGAH region are expected to join us.
“In the afternoon, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, will deliver an address to 5,000 youths before the highlight, the opening ceremony by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at 5 pm,” he said.
He said apart from the three main events, the Sentuhan Kasih Desa programme also features Rahmah and Agro Madani sales to give the people an opportunity to buy daily essentials at lower prices, with discounts of up to 15 per cent.
Tengku Ahmad Nadzri said the sales activities also involve 36 KETENGAH entrepreneurs offering various products, including food, clothes, agricultural produce and massage services.
“The Agro Madani and Rahmah sales are government initiatives which the people are looking forward to due to the rise in cost of living.
“Almost 100 types of goods are on sale here at prices five to 15 per cent lower than those in shops and supermarkets,” he added.
He said there are also exhibitions by government agencies, educational institutions and strategic partners aimed at disseminating information to the community.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency