KKDW Considers Special Support Scheme for Physiotherapy Clinics in Rural Areas
KUALA LUMPUR — The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) is currently assessing proposals to provide targeted support for professional entrepreneurs who wish to establish physiotherapy clinics in rural communities, as part of efforts to improve access to healthcare services outside urban centres.
Deputy Minister Rubiah Wang said physiotherapy has been identified as a potential new sector that could receive assistance under programmes managed by Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), alongside existing schemes for medical, dental and pharmacy clinics.
She explained that MARA has long supported professional entrepreneurs in the healthcare sector, and expanding this assistance to physiotherapy services would help address gaps in rehabilitation care in rural areas.
“Physiotherapy is a relatively new proposal that we are evaluating for inclusion under MARA’s professional entrepreneurship programmes. At present, we already support medical, dental and pharmacy clinics, and a similar framework can be extended to physiotherapy,” she said.
Rubiah made the remarks during a parliamentary question-and-answer session in response to queries on whether KKDW would introduce grants or financing schemes to help establish physiotherapy clinics for vulnerable and low-income rural communities.
She noted that existing MARA programmes not only provide financial assistance in the form of loans or sponsorships, but also offer training, mentoring and business management support to ensure long-term sustainability.
According to her, this comprehensive approach is essential to help rural clinics operate efficiently, maintain service quality and remain financially viable in the long run.
Beyond the healthcare sector, Rubiah said KKDW remains committed to strengthening entrepreneurship among graduates of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions under the ministry.
She revealed that since 2016, more than 440 TVET graduates have participated in technopreneurship programmes, generating cumulative sales exceeding RM120 million, demonstrating the effectiveness of the government’s strategy.
“Support for TVET graduates includes MARA financing, access to business premises, incubation spaces, structured training and continuous advisory services. These initiatives are designed to help young entrepreneurs start and scale their businesses systematically,” she said.
Rubiah also highlighted the Start Right Programme (PSR), introduced in 2021, as a key platform to encourage youth and TVET graduates to enter technical entrepreneurship.
Under the programme, participants receive entrepreneurship training, equipment packages, start-up capital worth RM20,000 and mentoring support for up to 24 months to help them achieve sustainable revenue growth.
She emphasised that the proposed support for physiotherapy clinics aligns with the government’s broader agenda to enhance the quality of life in rural areas, particularly in terms of healthcare accessibility, social welfare and economic empowerment.
By expanding professional medical and rehabilitation services in rural communities, she said residents would benefit from improved access to specialised treatment without having to travel long distances to urban hospitals.
Industry observers view the initiative as a timely move, given the increasing demand for rehabilitation services due to ageing populations and rising awareness of physical health and recovery.
Rubiah added that KKDW would continue engaging relevant stakeholders, professional bodies and financial institutions to refine the proposed support framework before its implementation.
She stressed that the ministry’s long-term goal is to create a balanced ecosystem where professional entrepreneurs can thrive while delivering essential services to underserved communities.
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