All praise is due to Allah SWT, for by His grace and permission we are granted the opportunity to step into the New Year 2026. This moment serves as an important platform for us to renew our resolve in carrying the great responsibility of developing rural communities within the KETENGAH region.

The year 2025 has come to an end with many meaningful experiences, encompassing notable achievements as well as challenges that had to be faced. I would like to extend my highest appreciation and congratulations to all KETENGAH personnel for their continuous commitment, dedication, and contributions that have enabled various accomplishments to be realised throughout the past year.

Among the key achievements was the organisation of the Kenyir Geopark Festival, which recorded an extraordinary response with a total attendance of 70,850 visitors, exceeding the initial target of 60,000 visitors. The economic impact generated also reflected the effectiveness of the programme, amounting to RM3.3 million compared to the original target of RM1.2 million. In addition, KETENGAH’s participation in the Fifteenth Ministry of Rural and Regional Development Welfare and Sports Championship (MAKSPEN XV) produced commendable results, with one gold medal in the congkak event and one silver medal in the table tennis event, placing KETENGAH fifth overall. From the perspective of governance and financial management, KETENGAH received a Certificate Without Adverse Remarks (Other Matters) in the Auditor General’s Certificate on the Financial Statements of the Central Terengganu Development Authority for the year ended 31 December 2024.

However, towards the end of 2025, several villages in the KETENGAH region were affected by floods. In response to this situation, the MADANI Compassion Squad of KETENGAH was mobilised, and a total of 628 disaster relief kits were distributed to ease the burden of the affected residents. This initiative demonstrates KETENGAH’s concern for community welfare and is in line with the aspirations of Malaysia MADANI, which prioritises the well-being of the people.

Esteemed and beloved members of KETENGAH,

As we move into 2026, we are faced with greater responsibilities in line with the organisation’s growing maturity. As public servants, we are required to carry out our duties with greater focus, efficiency, and integrity, in accordance with the aims and objectives of the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development, in ensuring that the prosperity and well-being of rural residents continue to be strengthened.

In terms of development expenditure performance for 2025, KETENGAH recorded an achievement of 94.66 percent. Although this performance is commendable, further improvements in planning, implementation, and monitoring must be continuously strengthened so that development expenditure performance for 2026 can be enhanced, thereby ensuring that the rural development agenda is implemented in a more impactful and comprehensive manner.

Esteemed members of KETENGAH,

For the current year, KETENGAH has been approved a development allocation under the First Rolling Plan of the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan amounting to RM48.355 million, involving 28 programmes and projects. Of this total, six are new programmes and projects with an allocation of RM5.5 million, while twenty-two are continuation programmes and projects amounting to RM42.855 million. All these initiatives are formulated based on the KETENGAH Strategic Planning Framework 2025–2035, which is anchored on four main pillars:

Pillar One: Economy, investment, and entrepreneurship;
Pillar Two: Human capital and community;
Pillar Three: Infrastructure, public facilities, settlement, and environment; and
Pillar Four: Governance and service delivery.

The main focus is to strengthen basic rural infrastructure in phases so that its benefits can be directly experienced by the community. At the same time, emphasis is also placed on digital village development, including the expansion of internet access and the involvement of rural youth and entrepreneurs in the digital economy, in line with the aspirations of the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development and the direction of the MADANI Government.

KETENGAH will also prioritise the implementation of high-impact programmes and projects that are categorised as quick wins and game changers, so that their outcomes can be enjoyed within a short period. This approach is consistent with the National Socioeconomic Policy, the MADANI Economy framework, and the needs of grassroots communities.

Esteemed and beloved members of KETENGAH,

As an organisation that continues to move in step with current changes, we must remain open to reform, strengthen the spirit of unity, and enhance efficiency in service delivery. Continuous improvement in work processes must be given priority so that every effort undertaken truly adds value to the community in the KETENGAH region.

I sincerely hope that all KETENGAH personnel will continue to perform their duties with full responsibility, uphold the values of honesty and integrity, and demonstrate commitment and sincerity in every trust entrusted to them. This commitment is crucial in strengthening the organisation and ensuring that the well-being of rural communities remains the top priority.

Let us join hands and move forward with renewed spirit and determination so that all the plans that have been outlined can be realised, thereby proving KETENGAH’s capability as a catalyst for regional development and in elevating the dignity of rural communities based on the well-being of the people.

In closing, I pray to Allah SWT that all of us are granted wisdom, perseverance, and strength to carry out the responsibilities entrusted to us with excellence in this year, for the benefit of religion, nation, and country.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2026

Dato’ Tengku Ahmad Nadzri bin Tengku Musa
General Manager
Central Terengganu Development Authority