KOTA BARU: A total of 364 projects worth RM14.83 billion is being implemented in Kelantan under the 11th Malaysia Plan (11MP).
Out of these, 97 high-impact projects are in the midst of being implemented at a cost of RM11.62 billion.
Kelantan Federal Development Department director Datuk Yahaya Mamat said among the high-impact projects being implemented includes the upgrading of the Sultan Ismail Petra Airport at a cost of RM483 million as well as the Kota Baru-Kuala Krai Highway (Package 1b: Pasir Hor-Kadok) costing RM310.5 million.
He adds the other projects implemented are the Kota Baru-Kuala Krai Highway (Package 2b: Ketereh to Kok Lanas) costing RM229.79 million); Kota Baru-Kuala Krai Highway ( Package 2A: Kadok-Ketereh (RM189.28 million); the Central Spine Road (CSR) Package 3 (Gua Musang to Kampung Relong, Pahang) costing RM253.5 million.
Another project that will be implemented by the Federal Government said Yahya is the construction of the flyover linking Kota Baru and the Wakaf Baru Roundabout, worth RM144.49 million, to overcome severe congestion in the area.
"In addition, the Federal Government through the Ministry of Finance had also provided annual grants to
Kelantan involving a total of RM350 million until October of last year.
Yahya said the allocation was to cover the shortfall the state government’s operating expenditure amounting to RM54.6 million for purposes such as the payment of salaries.
He was speaking to the press at a briefing on Kelantan development, here today.
He adds that the Federal Government through the Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government ministry had also channeled an annual grant of RM21.3 million to the local authorities.
Yahya said the allocation was for the payment of staff salaries; purchase of administrative equipment and municipal services; program implementation and other needs.
"The Federal Government also channeled RM90.13 million for 701 projects from 2014 to 2017 to assist local authorties in the state to maintain and upgrade their respective areas, to ensure the people benefit from the improved social economic status.
He adds the Federal Government had also provided a RM168.86 million allocation for the construction and repair of the mosque’s and surau’s in the state.
In addition to this, Yahya said RM91.3 million was allocated last year to pay the allowances of imams,
al-Quran dan Fardu Ain (KFA) teachers, Takmir teachers, district mosque coordinators, facilitators of family service centers as well as ‘Sekolah Pondok’ support, Religious Secondary Schools and tahfiz institutes.