PADANG TERAP – Is the prime minister dropping hints that a general election is around the corner?
Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob thanked attendees at an event at SK Kuala Nerang here for giving support to the current administration and the “coming” government.
“Once again, many thanks to the ‘family’ of Padang Terap for coming. I expect the number to be over 10,000 and maybe even 15,000 people.
“Thank you for the support given to me. Thank you for giving support to the current government and the government to come soon.”
Earlier, he said the Padang Terap district is expected to have a facelift soon, as a result of the economic spillover brought by Kedah Rubber City (KRC).
According to him, the government has plans in the district, including infrastructure development in Durian Burung – a town bordering Thailand.
“When I met former Thai prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, we agreed to develop bordering areas because the trade in those places is quite large.
“The value of trade between Malaysia and Thailand amounts to RM103 billion, while cross-border trade is as much as RM44.8 billion.
“Therefore, we will develop the border town area to include customs, immigration, and quarantine complexes, as well as other infrastructure development, such as a four-lane road.”
He also announced the construction of a “centre of excellence” for the Rubber Industry Smallholder Development Authority valued at RM15 million in this district.
The construction of the centre, he said, was a step to prepare the workforce in KRC.
"I was informed by rural development minister and Padang Terap MP Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid that the KRC will provide 6,000 job opportunities, so it is certain that those who will fill those job opportunities will be Padang Terap residents.
“Locals need to be given training to learn about rubber-related matters before being placed in KRC.” – The Vibes, September 2, 2022