KUCHING: The Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK) must strengthen data collection and community coordination to ensure more effective welfare delivery and poverty eradication efforts, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof.
Fadillah said that accurate, up-to-date village-level data is crucial to addressing socio-economic challenges.
“We need proper data. With accurate data, we can plan more effectively and target assistance more precisely.
“Every village faces different issues, and without updated information, our planning will not be effective,” he said, speaking at the Annual JKKK Grant Handover Ceremony for the Petra Jaya Parliamentary Constituency at the Customs Academy Hall, Matang today.
Fadillah announced that each JKKK will continue to receive the annual RM3,000 administrative grant, with an additional RM3,000 approved for development this year.
“Usually we give RM3,000, but today I have approved another RM3,000 for development. Insya-Allah, in the next round, we will consider adding RM2,000 more,” he said.
He acknowledged that, although government allocations are available, grassroots leaders, from penghulu to JKKK members, bear significant responsibility for maintaining village security and welfare.
“The JKKK’s role is not just about administration. It is about safeguarding the security, welfare and well-being of our communities,” he said.
Fadillah stressed that updated records should include data on the elderly, persons with disabilities, households classified as hardcore poor, youth pursuing higher education, and local business operators.
“Our goal is to eradicate hardcore poverty. But we cannot do that without proper data. We must know exactly who needs help,” he added.
He also proposed organising workshops for community leaders to share best practices in data management and to identify local issues, including social amenities and economic needs.
