ALOR STAR: The federal government would not neglect the development of Kedah, despite the state being governed by the opposition.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail today assured this. Saifuddin, who is also state Development Action Council co-chairman, said that the federal government is always concerned about ensuring the effective implementation of government projects.
"We won't compromise the interests of the people. Let the data speak... when the state government allocated RM100 million for development in their 2024 budget, the federal government disbursed RM1.81 billion.
"I don't think the conclusion here is one that we ignore or discriminate against, but rather, embracing diversity and adopting the most appropriate approach.
"This ensures the well-being of the people while celebrating and respecting democratic differences," he said during a press conference after visiting the Sungai Kedah and Sungai Anak Bukit Flood Mitigation Project site here today.
Also present was the Implementation Coordination Unit of the Prime Minister's Department deputy director-general Raja Muhammad Azhan Shah Raja Muhammad.
Commenting on the flood mitigation projects, Saifuddin said the projects, which will address flood issues in Alor Star and Jitra, are expected to be completed by September next year.
He said that the project is progressing within a reasonable rate, reaching a progress level of 78.13 per cent.
"The project involves creating a new channel to address overflow issues originating from three main rivers including Sungai Baru, Sungai Tanjung Pauh, and Sungai Anak Bukit.
"The current physical progress of the project stands at 78.13 per cent, with the remaining work involving the construction of two bridges at the Alor Star - Kangar trunk road and near Gunung Keriang," he added.
Saifuddin added that the project will alleviate the flood disasters impacting around 63,000 residents and 9,000 hectares of padi fields in the area.