PUTRAJAYA: Works are underway to develop Kelantan, providing it with robust growth and improving the people’s well-being.
The Economic Affairs Ministry said that on March 7, during a working visit to Kelantan, minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali had announced the federal government’s approval to execute five key projects in Kelantan.
The five projects were the East Coast Expressway Phase 3 (LPT3); expansion and upgrading of Sultan Ismail Petra Airport; Pasir Puteh-Machang-Jeli new route; Kota Baru-Kuala Krai Expressway; and Palekbang-Kota Baru Bridge.
“The decision is in line with Pillar Three of the Mid-Term Review of 11th Malaysia Plan, namely ‘Pursuing Balanced Regional Development’, where efforts will be intensified to address development imbalances among the six regions.
"Kelantan is one of the states to be given priority to promote equitable growth and increase the well-being of the rakyat,” the ministry said in a statement.
Subsequent to the announcement, the ministry said a meeting between the Works Ministry, Finance Ministry, East Coast Economic Region (ECER) Works Department, Kelantan Works Department, Economic Planning Unit of Kelantan (UPENK), Implementation and Coordination Unit (ICU) of Kelantan, East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) and the Economic Affairs Ministry was held on March 14 to deliberate on the way forward and implementation plan of the projects.
“Currently, a study on the way forward for LPT3 is being undertaken and will take into consideration the current study on tolled highways undertaken by the Works Ministry.
“At the same time, the Kelantan Works Department is finalising the alignment as well as scope of work for Phase One of the proposed Pasir Puteh-Machang-Jeli route.
“As for the Palekbang-Kota Baru bridge, the Kelantan Works Department will be engaging with ECERDC and the state government on the implementation. UPENK will be coordinating with the respective ministries and agencies to expedite the implementation of the projects,” said the ministry.
The Kota Baru-Kuala Krai Expressway, it added, was being implemented in phases, with one package completed, two packages on-going, two packages under procurement and the remaining three packages under planning.
“The procurement process for the expansion and upgrading of Sultan Ismail Petra Airport is currently underway, led by the Transport Ministry, and expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2019.”