Kelantan Sultan expresses deep concern over security issues at border
In light of this, he emphasised the urgent need to finalise the proposal for constructing a wall and establishing a buffer zone in the Sungai Golok area without delay.
Sultan Muhammad V said this in his royal address when opening the Third Term of the 15th Kelantan State Legislative Assembly today.
He also stressed the urgent need for a swift resolution to the recurring flood issues in the state.
'I urge that the integrated river basin projects for Sungai Kelantan and Sungai Golok be expedited in all its phases,' he said.
'Priority must be given to the construction of the Lebir Dam, as it is crucial in addressing the flood challenges in Kelantan,' he added.
Sultan Muhammad V also urged government agencies, departments, and companies involved in the agricultural sector to remain focused on their core responsibilities while intensifying efforts to ensure the state and country's food security is firmly secured.
'I strongly encourage the government and the public to explore and cultivate high-potential crops, such as coconut and durian, as valuable sources of income within the agricultural sector.
In line with the Kelantan Agricultural Development Enactment (2022), His Royal Highness urged the immediate development of an agricultural produce collection centre in Lojing to avoid losing key opportunities for revenue, investment, and economic growth.
Sultan Muhammad V also urged local authorities to focus on ensuring that towns in Kelantan remain clean, beautiful and vibrant, apart from effective municipal management.
'I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the National Landscape Department for its valuable cooperation with the Kota Bharu Municipal Council - Islamic City in successfully executing the landscape project in Kota Bharu town.
'Additionally, I hope that all local authorities, with the full support of the government, will address the issue of abandoned buildings and capitalise on the economic opportunities within the city to further bolster local development,' he added.
In addition, His Royal Highness emphasised the need to accelerate infrastructure development while offering competitive tax exemption incentives to attract greater investment to Kelantan.
'For instance, the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project is poised to bring new strategic value to the state, particularly through the establishment of a cargo-oriented development zone in Pasir Puteh and a transit-oriented development hub in the emerging township of Tunjong,' he said.
'In addition to enhancing and strengthening the state's transportation network, this project will also generate significant economic multiplier effects for my people. Therefore, it is vital that the public views this as an opportunity to actively participate and benefit from the spillover impact of such a major development.
He further recommended that the state government explore and introduce alternative education platforms - particularly in the field of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) - to better align with current industry demands.
'Key focus areas should include the development of the manufacturing sector to attract investments to Kelantan, the upgrading of clean water supply infrastructure and road networks, and the advancement of the agricultural and tourism sectors, along with the empowerment of other high-potential industries.
Touching on federal-state cooperation, Sultan Muhammad V expressed satisfaction with the harmonious relationship between the two, noting its importance in driving progress.
'Priority should be given to infrastructure projects approved under the 11th and 12th Malaysia Plans, collaborative efforts to optimise land use for agricultural productivity, and the implementation of biodiversity conservation initiatives across the state,' he added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
5 hours ago
- The Sun
Siti Khadijah Market upgrade to boost tourism by 2026
KOTA BHARU: The historic Siti Khadijah Market is undergoing a significant transformation, positioning itself as a must-visit tourist destination by 2026. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming confirmed the RM7 million upgrade will include modern amenities and improved infrastructure to benefit both visitors and traders. The project, funded by a RM5.5 million allocation from the Prime Minister's office and an additional RM1.5 million from the ministry, focuses on refurbishing public toilets, upgrading electrical systems, and repainting the market's exterior. 'These improvements will ensure a clean, comfortable, and tourist-friendly environment,' Nga said during a press conference after inspecting the site. The market's revitalisation aligns with the MADANI government's economic goals, aiming to boost local tourism and small businesses. Nga also highlighted the success of the MyKiosk initiative, where 17 kiosks now operate under affordable rental schemes, helping traders like a burger vendor who reportedly earns over RM10,000 monthly. Additionally, the MyKiosk project incorporates solar energy, reducing operational costs for traders while supporting Malaysia's low-carbon city objectives. To date, over 7,000 families, including B40 groups and previously unlicensed hawkers, have benefited from similar government-backed initiatives. Nga commended the Kota Bharu Municipal Council for its role in executing these community-focused projects, reinforcing the government's commitment to improving public welfare. - Bernama
The Star
10 hours ago
- The Star
Pop-up market celebrates royal birthday
Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam's managing director and chief executive officer (CEO) Junaidi Masri touring the booths. - Borneo Bulletin BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: In conjunction with His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's birthday celebration, the TMJE Pop-Up Market was launched at BIBD Connects on Thursday (July 18) afternoon at Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas. The event features the participation of local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as well as students from Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (Unissa). Their involvement is aimed at providing meaningful exposure to real-world business environments while encouraging the development of practical skills and an entrepreneurial mindset among youth. The pop-up market will run until July 20 and then from July 25 to 27, operating daily from 4pm to 9pm, offering a vibrant mix of food, crafts and lifestyle products by Bruneian entrepreneurs. Present at the official opening were Unissa Assistant Rector (Student Affairs and Alumni) Dr Lilly Suzana Shamsu and Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Junaidi Masri, along with members of BIBD's management and staff. The event is part of BIBD's broader efforts to promote community engagement and support Brunei's entrepreneurial ecosystem through accessible and inclusive initiatives. BIBD aims to create opportunities that uplift and empower others, especially local micro enterprises that form the backbone of the economy. Through platforms such as BIBD Connects, the bank seeks to nurture grassroots entrepreneurship and contribute to a more resilient, self-sustaining community. These efforts also support Brunei Vision 2035, particularly in the areas of economic diversification and the development of a dynamic and sustainable economy driven by local talent and enterprise. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
Free Malaysia Today
14 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
GRS-PN alliance was always going to be a ‘tough sell', says analyst
An analyst said GRS chairman Hajiji Noor's long-held stance that Sabah must be led by state-based parties reflects strong grassroots sentiment for local autonomy. (Facebook pic) PETALING JAYA : A pre-election alliance between Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) ahead of the next Sabah state election was always unlikely, analysts say, citing GRS's emphasis on local leadership and PAS's limited appeal in East Malaysia. Bilcher Bala of Universiti Malaysia Sabah said that even if the opposition coalition had sought cooperation, a PN-GRS alliance would have been a 'tough sell.' Last week, PN chairman Muhyiddin Yassin said the coalition would not work with GRS in the state election, citing the 'betrayal' of several GRS leaders who left Bersatu in November 2022 following the 15th general election (GE15). Bilcher noted that GRS has since positioned itself as a coalition that champions Sabah's rights and identity. Bilcher Bala. He also said GRS chairman and Sabah chief minister Hajiji Noor's long-held stance that Sabah must be led by state-based parties reflects strong grassroots sentiment for local autonomy. 'Hajiji has even warned that GRS is prepared to go solo if necessary. That alone suggests limited appetite for partnering with a peninsula-dominated coalition like PN,' said Bilcher. 'Based on current political dynamics, it would be unlikely for GRS to seek cooperation with PN, even if PN hadn't ruled it out.' He added that PAS's reputation in East Malaysia was another major hurdle, as the party's 'extreme religious rhetoric' and goal of turning Malaysia into an Islamic state had alienated many voters in Sabah and Sarawak. PAS leaders have acknowledged their lack of support in East Malaysia and proposed autonomy for their Sabah and Sarawak chapters, but Bilcher said the party would need to do much more to overcome its negative image. He also said Muhyiddin's 'betrayal' narrative has further strained relations between PN and GRS and signalled the deep mistrust the former prime minister held towards Sabah's ruling coalition. 'That kind of rhetoric doesn't just burn bridges—it bulldozes them. So, even if PN were to reverse its position, GRS would likely remain cautious,' he said. Ramli Dollah. Another analyst, Ramli Dollah, said key GRS partners such as STAR and PBS had long shown ideological incompatibility with religion-based parties such as PAS. Ramli noted that since PAS was a component of PN, any formal cooperation with PN would make it difficult for GRS to retain support from non-Muslim voters. 'This makes potential GRS-PN cooperation more complex, not only ideologically but also electorally,' he said. Ramli also pointed out that PN's status as the opposition bloc at the federal level was another stumbling block in any potential alliance with GRS, adding that a GRS-PN partnership could jeopardise its current working relationship with Pakatan Harapan (PH) at the federal level. 'Sabah's political culture has long leaned towards cooperating with the ruling federal government to ensure continued development and access to resources,' he said. 'Therefore, if any cooperation is to occur, it is more likely to happen between GRS and PH.' The unity government secretariat previously announced that PH and Barisan Nasional (BN) would join forces for the Sabah polls, prompting Hajiji to state that GRS was prepared to go solo if PH teamed up with BN. However, PH chairman Anwar Ibrahim later called for the PH-BN alliance to work with GRS. Talks between the three coalitions are said to be ongoing.
