RM1.14 billion allocated for infrastructure development in Terengganu this year

KUALA TERENGGANU, Feb 14 -- A total of RM1.14 billion have been allocated for Terengganu for the implementation of infrastructure development projects this year, said Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali.

He said the allocation was expected to have a positive impact on the economy and tourism sector in Terengganu.

"Today I visit Terengganu to see several development projects including the Pasar Payang complex which is under development and I just visited the drawbridge which is an attraction for both domestic and foreign tourists,” he told reporters after visiting Pasar Besar Kedai Payang here today.

Also present was Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar.

Besides Terengganu, Mohamed Azmin said the ministry had also identified five other states that needed more development namely Kelantan, Kedah, Perlis, Sabah and Sarawak.

Mohamed Azmin said in addition to infrastructure development, additional allocations would also be channelled to Terengganu, including to address the erosion problems in some districts such as Dungun and Kuala Nerus.

"The Terengganu government has presented the matter at the ECERDC (East Coast Economic Region Development Council) meeting chaired by the Prime Minister last November where some allocation is urgently needed because of the serious erosion problem.

"The problem of coastal erosion should be given serious consideration and it is expected to cost  RM80 million," he said.

He said RM64 million had been channelled to the state to check coastal erosion in four locations.

The RM80 million second phase upgrading project is expected to be started by mid-year to prevent erosion before the arrival of the monsoon season later this year, he added.

-- BERNAMA