Wednesday, October 20, 2010

GIS for welfare and poverty eradication in Malaysia


Under the Rural Development Master Plan (RDMP), Malaysia’s Rural and Regional Development Ministry updated database of the villages as it was suggested by the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. The plan aims to eradicate poverty as well as look after the welfare of the rural dwellers, said Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, Rural and Regional Development Minister, Malaysia.

Mohd Shafie said that the GIS database contained information on the area such as the number of population, number of houses, roads as well as educational facilities and hospitals. Further, he added, "The master plan can address the issues which we are trying to resolve such as the duplication of functions and responsibilities because at times the distribution of food and aid was carried out by various ministries such as the Health Ministry and the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry whereas such a massive requirement was a waste."

According to Mohd Shafie, the master plan could be taken as a guide in all plans to be implemented by all ministries and agencies involved in rural development at the national and local levels.

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