Cover image via Bahagian Kesejahteraan Rakyat
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All across Malaysia, villages and rural communities are having their issues and concerns heard via the Santuni MADANI (One Leader, One Village) initiative
Introduced under Belanjawan 2025, the programme connects appointed leaders from government agencies and the private sector to specific villages.
The goal is to strengthen local governance by making leaders directly accountable for on-the-ground issues rather than only hearing about them secondhand.
Each assigned leader is tasked with handling matters such as social welfare, infrastructure, income opportunities, and other local needs
RHB Banking Group has adopted Kampung Gudang Garam in Segamat, Johor, carrying out upgrades such as repairing the mosque's water tank, repainting its walls, and installing solar-powered lights along village pathways to improve safety and comfort.
In Selangor, JAWI director Haji Hanifuddin Roslan has spearheaded efforts in Kampung Parit 9/10 Gambut, Sabak Bernam, where over 1,000 residents participated in community activities. The programme channelled aid to 253 asnaf (beneficiary) families and supported local mosques, suraus, and schools, directly tackling poverty while strengthening social bonds.
Meanwhile, UniSZA vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Fadzli Adam has led health-focused initiatives in Kampung Pulau Duyong, Kuala Terengganu, offering free medical screenings, home visits for bedridden patients, and awareness drives on chronic disease prevention, while also mobilising youth through sports and community clean-up activities.
To date, 408 villages have signed up for the programme, with 978 issues successfully resolved through such targeted interventions.
On ground, both villages and their leaders have observed positive changes
From quicker problem-solving to better understanding from both sides, those directly involved in Santuni MADANI have reported encouraging results so far.
Although Santuni MADANI is still in its early phase, more results are expected in the coming months
As more villages take part, the government will be able to refine the model, close gaps, and ensure that the federal budget continues to provide allocations that are based on real grassroots challenges.
Find out more how you can contribute to the Santuni MADANI programme here.
