Kelantan water woes: Govt's commitment has huge impact on socio-economic development
KOTA BHARU - The commitment of the federal government to tackling the clean water supply issue in Kelantan will not only solve the major problem faced by the people but also creates a huge impact on the socio-economic development of the state.
Pasir Puteh district officer Ahmad Adlee Yasin said the district, especially the Tok Bali area which has about 15,000 residents will also enjoy the benefits.
He said the allocation mentioned by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday was in line with the current needs in the Tok Bali industrial area, especially the Tok Bali Supply Base (TBSB), marked as the new growth centre for the state.
"It will also be a catalyst for the Tok Bali East Coast Rail Line (ECRL) development project which is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, covering passenger and cargo stations," he told Bernama today.
The initiative could also help boost the economic activities of the locals, especially small and medium enterprises, including seafood processing activities such as crackers along the Tok Bali coast, he said.
During his visit to Kelantan yesterday, Anwar urged the water plant project in Tok Bali and the replacement of water pipes in Bachok to be expedited to help solve the state water woes.
He said an allocation of RM500 million would be used for the project, which is part of the RM1.7 billion approved by the government for Kelantan.
According to Adlee, the Tok Bali area which is a major tourism destination in the district and the main route to Terengganu can be empowered to draw more visitors to Kelantan.
Meanwhile, Bachok MP Mohd Syahir Che Sulaiman said the cooperation and seriousness shown by the federal government were greatly appreciated by all parties, especially the Kelantan people who are affected by the long-standing water issue.
He said the federal government support is crucial for the state to solve the issue of clean water supply because the process must be done comprehensively, involving huge costs as well as requiring high expertise, adding that he hoped the solution would not be delayed as it involves the people’s basic needs. - BERNAMA
