KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has hinted that the peninsula’s East Coast states, chiefly Kelantan, might be receiving additional allocations from the federal government.
At a groundbreaking ceremony for the first East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) station in Tunjong, Kota Baru, the prime minister said he might announce additional allocation for PAS-held states on top of the initial budget tabled in February.
“The federal government remains committed to increasing allocation and facilities to the eastern states, especially Kelantan.
“Maybe I will announce the additional allocation tonight,” he said.
Anwar is expected to attend a Malaysia Madani open house at the Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium compound in Kota Baru later.
Previously, several Perikatan Nasional lawmakers had spoken out against the government during the parliamentary debates on Budget 2023 for supposedly not doing enough for opposition-held states.
In response, Anwar noted that there was a huge development budget for the four states, as Kelantan is set to receive RM2.5 billion this year compared to RM1.8 million last year, while Perlis was allocated RM570 million as opposed to RM250 million previously.
Meanwhile, Anwar mentioned that China Communications Construction Company Ltd (CCCC) has agreed to award contract packages for “minor works” along the ECRL line in Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and Selangor to others.
“The ECRL project has seen the involvement of over 2,100 local companies consisting of contractors, consultants, and suppliers since 2017 until the first quarter of this year.
“The assumption that the project is a monopoly by China is not true. Discussions with CCCC have concluded that new projects will include civil contracts, consultants… these will be given to local companies,” he said.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said while ticket prices for the ECRL line have not been set yet, the government will ensure that the rates are affordable for all.
“The ministry will hold discussions with relevant stakeholders to ensure that everyone is able to enjoy the facilities,” he said.
The 665-km ECRL line that runs through Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and Selangor is expected to be completed in 2026 and fully operational in January 2027. – The Vibes, May 12, 2023
