Latest news with #FirstRollingPlan
The Sun
03-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Jalan Serkam-Bemban a boost to tourism access to Melaka City
JASIN: The newly opened three-kilometre road connecting Serkam and Bemban will serve as a strategic alternative route for tourists travelling from the south to Melaka, particularly to the main tourist attractions in the city centre via the Jasin Toll, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh. He said the new road, which links the Jalan Serkam-Bemban junction to the Jalan Kandang junction, would also help shorten travel time by up to five minutes, particularly for local residents travelling from Ayer Molek to the Jasin Toll. Ab Rauf said the RM20.2 million two-lane road project, which began on Nov 15, 2022 and was completed on April 25 this year, was funded through an allocation approved by the Rural and Regional Development Ministry under the First Rolling Plan of the 12th Malaysia Plan. 'This is an infrastructure project that not only links places but also connects the people's hopes for a brighter future. 'This is not just a road; it is a symbol of inclusive progress that proves the state government has never neglected the needs of the rural population,' he said after officiating the opening of Jalan Serkam-Bemban here today. Ab Rauf said the new road was also the result of close cooperation and shared determination between the state and federal governments, which would continue to serve as a catalyst for a more sustainable, inclusive and competitive Melaka. 'This project is also in line with the Melakaku Maju Jaya Strategic Plan 2035, as we aim to achieve not just rapid physical development but also balanced economic and social growth,' he said. Meanwhile, Ab Rauf said the federal government had approved nine new development and road upgrade projects following negotiations and applications submitted by the state government. He said all of the projects were currently at various stages of implementation, with the upgrading of Jalan Tun Hamzah from the JPJ Intersection to Semabok, involving an allocation of RM300 million, expected to begin in December. According to him, the construction of a new road from Kuala Linggi to Ayer Molek, Masjid Tanah, at a cost of RM125 million, is expected to begin in March next year, while the RM35.2 million road from the Rim junction to Kampung Ulu Jasin is slated for completion this August.
New Straits Times
21-04-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Speed up Thai border wall project, says Kelantan sultan
KOTA BARU: Sultan of Kelantan Sultan Muhammad V today urged swift approval of a proposed wall and buffer zone along the Malaysian-Thai border in Sungai Golok. "I take the security issue along the Malaysian-Thai border seriously and hope the wall and buffer zone project can be implemented soon." He said this at the opening ceremony of the state legislative assembly. Sultan Muhammad V expressed appreciation for the strong federal-state relationship. He highlighted collaboration in infrastructure, land use, agriculture, and biodiversity conservation in Kelantan. "I urge that the Kelantan and Golok Rivers Integrated River Basin Projects be expedited to address flood issues in the state. "Priority should be given to the construction of the Lebir Dam, which is needed to resolve flood problems in Kelantan," he said. The ruler said Kelantan still lags in attracting foreign investment compared with west coast states that have ports and better trade facilities. "Infrastructure development must be accelerated, along with competitive tax incentives to draw more investors." Sultan Muhammad V said he had been informed that the state government had submitted a list of applications for the First Rolling Plan under the 13th Malaysia Plan. "I hope the planned focus will lead to more inclusive and sustainable development. "This can drive economic growth and boost the state's competitiveness. "Key focus areas should include manufacturing to attract investment, better water and road infrastructure, and stronger emphasis on agriculture and tourism." The ruler expressed hope that an agricultural produce collection centre in Lojing could be developed immediately to transform the sub-district into an agricultural hub. "I urge departments, agencies and government-linked companies involved in the agriculture sector to remain focused on their functions and to intensify efforts to ensure food security for the state and the nation," He urged the state to prioritise new townships in every district as industrial growth catalysts. "These new townships should adopt the smart city concept. "In the era of artificial intelligence (AI), technical and digital skills are becoming increasingly important. "With the right skills, young people can be more competitive and contribute to human capital development. "Therefore, I urge the state government to explore and provide alternative education platforms, particularly in technical and vocational education and training (TVET), to meet the needs of industries."
