ALOR STAR: Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for opening the door to discuss economic development projects for Kedah.
He said it is a positive development for the state and federal government consensus on matters concerning economic development projects that will benefit Kedah and the nation at large.
"I wish to thank the Prime Minister for adopting a more diplomatic approach and opening the door to any discussion related to economic development projects. That is the way to go for a PM and I am happy too," Sanusi said at a press conference at the conclusion of the state assembly in Wisma Darul Aman here today (March 7).
The Jeneri assemblyman said among the key projects that the state government wished to discuss with Anwar are the proposed Kedah Aerotropolis and Sanglang Deep Sea Port.
Earlier in his winding up speech at the state assembly, Sanusi said state-owned KXP AirportCity Holdings Sdn Bhd and the State Economic Planning Division (BPEN) are preparing documents to be presented to relevant federal government agencies.
He also informed the house that the project investor is waiting for the final activation process of activation of a special purpose vehicle (SPV) company formed for the project.
"On Nov 22 last year, the state government signed an agreement with a private investor to establish a special purpose vehicle entity to develop Kedah Aerotropolis.
"Currently, we are waiting for the final activation process by the Companies Commission of Malaysia to complete the registration of the SPV.
"Upon completion of this process, the investor will be injecting the RM2.5 billion deposit for the purpose of land acquisition," he said.
Sanusi added that the Sanglang Deep Sea Port project is a proposal by a private investor to develop a cargo port equipped with a land bridge that cuts across Segenting Kra from from the west to the east, from Sanglang in Kedah to the Songkhla Port in Thailand.
"The port, equipped with a land bridge concept, is a shortcut between the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. We will act as a feeder port to complement the Penang Port.
"The proposed land bridge will complement and add value to the proposed land bridge project linking Ranong and Chumphon by the Thailand government," he said.
Sanusi added that the project will benefit both neighbouring countries as the main terminals are located in Malaysia and Thailand. The Sanglang Port will also function as the new energy hub based on ammonia and hydrogen.
"The company and consultant that have been appointed are ironing out the port proposal, including location and suitable hinterland and downstream activities.
"The company has presented the proposal to the Transport Ministry (MoT) and is currently fine tuning the proposal based on feedback from the ministry," he said.
Sanusi said the Sanglang port is a long-term investment which has the capacity to attract renowned investors in the field of oil and gas, renewable energy and creating industrial and high value economic activities in Kedah and the northern region while spurring Malaysia and Thailand cross-border trade activity.