Pasir mas: The Town and Country Planning Department (PLANMalaysia) and the Kelantan state government have taken a strategic step to rejuvenate rundown old towns, with Pasir Mas being the main focus. PLANMalaysia director-general Datuk Dr Alias Rameli stated that despite rapid new developments, there are still old towns requiring special attention.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Pasir Mas was once known as a vibrant focal point and a family destination for visitors from neighbouring states due to its location near the Malaysia-Thailand border. However, the town now appears sluggish and requires comprehensive revitalisation, with several areas in need of restoration. The revitalisation efforts will focus on landscaping, pedestrian walkways, roads, traffic flow restructuring, and the development of public parks, Dr Alias noted during the state-level World Town Planning Day celebration.

Dr Alias expressed hope that the revitalisation efforts would enable the old town to fully function as an economic, social, and tourism zone. He emphasized that the construction of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) would play a critical role in revitalising Pasir Mas. With the main station in Tunjong and an additional proposed line to Rantau Panjang, he believes the economic spillover will directly benefit Pasir Mas.

To ensure more organized development, Dr Alias mentioned that all 12 local authorities in Kelantan have been given a special action plan to facilitate funding applications from the state or Federal Government. Plans, documents, and various financing schemes have been provided through the Housing and Local Government Ministry, including safe city projects, smart city initiatives, and the construction of a Madani Recreational Park estimated at RM500,000. However, he stressed that local authorities must submit funding applications for these initiatives.