'FLYING SQUAD' FORMED TO MONITOR PPRT IMPLEMENTATION

CYBERJAYA, July 23 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Rural and Regional
Development has set up a 'flying squad' to monitor the implementation of
Hardcore Poor Housing Project (PPRT) throughout the country.

Its minister, Mohd Shafie Apdal said the special team, which was placed
directly under the ministry, was formed to ensure that such projects went
smoothly without delay.

"We want to see in terms of the effectiveness and not the weaknesses of any
party (in carrying out the projects). We are more driven by the outcome in order
to ensure that we meet the needs of the people," he told reporters after
chairing the coordination meeting with the State Executive Councillors for Rural
Development (Mexclub), here Thursday.

Mohd Shafie said the special team would coordinate the agencies in the
states to achieve its objectives, including the Community Development Department
(Kemas), Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda), and Federal
Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (Felcra).

In another development, he said the approval of an initial allocation of
RM550 million for Mara scholarship, and another RM800 million for Mara's
operational cost recently showed that the government did not neglect the welfare
of the Bumiputeras.

"This means that the continuation of Mara's role as an agency to assist the
Bumiputera community in business and education is assured by the government. No
one should worry about the community being left behind due to changes in policy
or new approaches being adopted," he said.

On the meeting, Mohd Shafie said the State Executive Councillors had been
asked to submit suggestions on development projects they wished to list under
the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP) by the middle of next month at the latest.

He said this was to ensure that the development plans were targeted to cater
to the needs of the people. (US$1=RM3.53)
-- BERNAMA