ASAJAYA: The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKWD) has launched the MyPKD application system to enhance and further improve the efficiency of operations and management at Rural Community Centres (Pusat Komuniti Desa or PKD) in line with digital technology advancements.
Deputy Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang said that PKD is committed to ensuring rural communities benefit from the implementation of information technology provided within PKD.
She emphasised that the MyPKD system will intensify ICT-based services or programmes, enabling rural communities to adapt to new digital requirements in their lives.
“The aim of this system is to ensure improved and efficient operations and management.
“Additionally, it will help enhance the performance and quality of work for PKD managers in line with digital technology advancements,” she said.
She said this when officiating at the MyPKD app and Mobile Rural Community Centre (PKD) programme at MPKS Tambirat Hawker Centre here today.
Rubiah, who is also the Kota Samarahan MP, said that a total of RM4.5 million has been allocated under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) for 2023 to ensure the successful role of PKD as a local service hub in rural areas.
Highlighting developments in Sarawak, she noted that from 2021 onwards, PKD Sarawak has successfully executed 162 programmes, bringing benefits to around 3,585 residents in rural areas.
Meanwhile, Sarawak has six physical PKDs, each managed by a manager, including PKD Buntal, Kuching; PKD Selanyau, Bekenu; PKD Stass, Bau; PKD Telian Tengah, Mukah; PKD Pangkat Stumbin, Sri Aman; and PKD RH Jarup Changkul, Lubok Antu.
“PKD, in general, is established to elevate the standard of living and well-being of rural communities through its five functions, serving as a community-level training centre for skills and entrepreneurship, such as cooking, sewing, ICT skills, handicraft production, composition, soap making, electrical equipment repair, and more.
“PKD also plays a role as a centre for women’s empowerment activities, offering programmes related to women’s health awareness and entrepreneurship guidance.
“Furthermore, it serves as a local service centre, a volunteer centre, and a collection centre for rural entrepreneurs’ products,” she said.
In line with the ‘One Stop, Multiple Services’ concept, the role and functions of PKD continue to be strengthened with the introduction of the PKD Mobile Programme, a quick win for KKDW to expand existing PKD services, including government departments and private sector services, through service counters that will move to selected rural areas.
A series of reach-out programmes by the ministry had been organised in collaboration with government and private agencies as strategic partners this year.
The first PKD Mobile programme was implemented on October 14, 2023, in Gerik, Perak, while the second series took place in Nabawan, Sabah, on November 18, 2023.
The third series, held today (Dec 16) in Asajaya, involved collaboration with the Office of the Samarahan Resident, Asajaya District Office, and the Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS).
In addition to service counters for government and private agencies, KKDW, in collaboration with the Malaysian Cooperative Commission (SKM), also organised the Cooperative Madani Sale, offering daily necessities at lower prices than the market rate.
A total of 23 government and private agencies participated in the programme, and skill enhancement activities and human capital strengthening through pocket talks and training related to hydroponics and decoupage were also conducted, specifically for local residents.
