By Sofia Nasir
SHAH ALAM, Feb 24 — The state government is refining a proposal to digitalise 373 traditional villages, as a step towards a more systematic and integrated management approach.
State executive councillor for rural development Datuk Rizam Ismail said the process has already begun via an initiative to provide laptops to all village heads in Selangor.
“In other planned initiatives, several aspects are being carefully assessed for feasibility and suitability, including digital mapping and geospatial information systems.
[caption id="attachment_391028" align="alignright" width="515"]
State executive councillor for rural development Datuk Rizam Ismail speaks during the Selangor State Legislative Assembly session in the State Secretariat Building in Shah Alam, on February 24, 2025. — Picture by MOHD KHAIRUL HELMY MOHD DIN/MEDIASELANGOR[/caption]
“Additionally, we are developing a database for infrastructure and development, which will serve as a key reference for the systematic planning of traditional villages,” he said.
Rizam was speaking during the winding-up session for the Motion of Thanks on the Royal Address by the Sultan of Selangor at the Selangor State Legislative Assembly session today.
On February 2, 373 traditional village heads in Selangor received laptops and free Internet data for one year to facilitate service delivery and communication with residents.
Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari said that this initiative ensures those serving as agents in implementing state policies can transition into the digital era, thereby enhancing village-level administration.
Meanwhile, Rizam acknowledged and agreed with the firm stance on the issue of land and house use in traditional villages for the accommodation of foreign workers.
To this, the state government will examine more effective regulatory measures, including stringent controls like monitoring and joint enforcement operations with the relevant agencies.
“I would also like to emphasise that landowners and developers must take responsibility to ensure that development in traditional villages does not compromise their historical value or the well-being of the local community,” he said.
“I would also like to emphasise that landowners and developers must take responsibility to ensure that development in traditional villages does not compromise their historical value or the well-being of the local community,” he added.
