Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has asked the people of the state not to be influenced by baseless claims that the federal government is not doing any development for their welfare. He said in fact, a total of 445 programmes and projects with an allocation of RM1.836 billion have been approved in Terengganu under the Fifth Rolling Plan (RP5) Development Programmes/Projects of the 12th Malaysia Plan (MP12). He said this was an increase of RM239 million compared to last year, thus refuting claims by some quarters that no development was being done for the state.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Finance Minister stated that among the important development projects currently underway for the people of Terengganu is the initiative to expand broadband internet coverage in districts such as Hulu Terengganu and Besut, which will benefit more than 15,000 households. In addition, RM300 million has been allocated to upgrade the existing water distribution system, which will increase piped water supply to 98 per cent by the end of this year.
Further elaborating, Anwar highlighted that RM2.243 billion has been allocated specifically for flood mitigation projects and estuary conservation and coastal erosion in Terengganu. He noted that discussions with the Menteri Besar are ongoing to find new technologies to prevent erosion, ensuring that preventive measures can be expedited. These initiatives underscore the federal government’s commitment to prioritizing the people of Terengganu despite accusations of neglect.
Anwar emphasized the importance of cooperation between the federal and state governments in addressing crucial matters, warning against negative campaigns that do not contribute to progress. He cited unfounded accusations, such as the claim that the government does not support the Malay community or that the Islamic economy is under threat, as unhelpful distractions. Anwar chose Terengganu as a location for the event due to its achievements in education and other fields, urging attendees to assess information carefully before forming opinions.
During the event, Anwar also witnessed the handover of a replica cheque for the allocation for road and slope maintenance on Terengganu’s federal roads totaling RM158.6 million from the Ministry of Finance to the Ministry of Works. The three-day Terengganu PMR, which concluded today, served as a strategic platform to unite the federal government, state governments, ministries, agencies, and government-linked companies (GLCs) in delivering information, opportunities, and services directly to the people.