The MADANI Adopted Village programme in Pulau Tuba and Selat delivers infrastructure upgrades and new tourism offerings, empowering local communities

LANGKAWI: The MADANI Adopted Village (KAM) Programme has driven tangible socio-economic progress for residents on Pulau Tuba and Selat.

Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said the initiative demonstrates how integrated policy implementation nurtures self-reliant communities.

Introduced under Budget 2024 with RM100 million, the programme’s allocation was doubled to RM200 million in Budget 2025.

“The programme focuses on villages that require improvements to basic facilities, with the aim of narrowing the development gap,” he told reporters during a working visit.

For infrastructure upgrades, the Ministry of Finance allocated RM2.5 million in 2024, covering 13 projects implemented by the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA).

Improvements included installing 50 additional solar-powered streetlights and upgrading the tube well system at Masjid Al-Wafa.

Amir Hamzah said these enhancements reflect the government’s sustained commitment after major 2024 projects.

Key initiatives highlighted included a hearse van donation from TNB and toilet upgrades at the mosque by the Prime Minister’s Department’s ICU.

On the economic front, the community cooperative KOPTUBAS has introduced new tourism offerings like a food kiosk and electric car rentals.

“Residents are also actively involved in downstream marine-based products, traditional snacks and handicrafts,” he added.

This further strengthens the islands’ community-based tourism potential.

 The Sun Malaysia