Kota bharu: The government is open to accepting applications for new, urgent projects from Kelantan, even though the allocation for major projects has already been listed in the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13), said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He emphasized that the prioritization of projects listed in the RMK13 was also made through direct engagement with the state government.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar stated that while the RMK13 has been presented, several new applications have been submitted, and if deemed a priority, they will be reviewed, particularly if projects are urgent like flood mitigation, water supply, energy supply, and the eradication of hardcore poverty. The Prime Minister elaborated on the engagement process, noting that discussions on the national budget, which incorporate the RMK13, will include considerations for additional and prioritized projects.
He made these remarks during the closing ceremony of the Kelantan 2025 MADANI Rakyat Program (PMR) at Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium. Also in attendance were Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Chang Lih Kang; Minister of Home Affairs Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, and Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud.
Anwar, who also serves as the Finance Minister, stated that engagement sessions have been streamlined to include input from the state government. He explained that during state visits, special sessions are held to allow the state government to provide input and monitor ongoing projects. He acknowledged that some announced projects with large budgets face implementation delays, prompting continued discussions for more effective project execution.
Regarding the Kelantan 2025 PMR, the Prime Minister noted that the program served as an excellent platform for the government to connect with the people and communicate information directly. He expressed hope that the MADANI Rakyat Program would help the government address public concerns and elevate programs needing attention.
The Kelantan 2025 PMR, spearheaded by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), was a three-day event that began last Thursday. It was a collaborative effort with the Implementation Coordination Unit, Prime Minister’s Department (ICU JPM), and supported by various government ministries and agencies. The PMR offered over 100 direct services to the public, showcased the latest technology, and implemented various community-reaching initiatives through the comprehensive approach of the MADANI Government.