Nod for review of ECRL cost

Tengku Abdullah (left) inspecting a guard of honour at the opening of the state assembly sitting. - Bernama

KUANTAN: The Regent of Pahang has expressed his approval for the Federal Government’s move to review the cost of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project.

Tengku Mahkota Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah welcomed the decision but hoped the railway line would still be built to create more economic growth areas.

“The construction of the ECRL will increase connectivity of economic and industrial areas from Kuantan Port to Tumpat in Kelantan and Port Klang in the west coast,” he said at the opening of the state assembly sitting here.

Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng reportedly announced that the final cost of the ECRL was a staggering RM81bil and that the project would only be continued once the cost was lowered to a financially-viable level.

Tengku Abdullah also called on the state government to support the Federal Government’s efforts to increase economic development of the country and Pahang.

He said there were 300 projects worth RM2.2bil approved last year for Pahang under the third rolling plan of the 11th Malaysia Plan.

“It is my hope there is continuity to the 11th Malaysia Plan in my state, especially projects that have direct impact for the people.

“As such, it is right for the Federal Government and the state government to continue cooperating regardless of political ideology,” said Tengku Abdullah.

On revenue, he said the land and mines as well as forestry sectors continued to be the backbone of Pahang.

For 2018, land and mines collection is estimated to contribute RM337.7mil while forestry, RM102.45mil, he said.

However, Tengku Abdullah said Pahang had high potential to increase other revenues, rather than depending solely on those sectors.

“It is reasonable for the state government to be proactive in encouraging private investments, especially in the manufacturing sector. Besides that, the Pahang Technology Park also has potential to become a hub for halal food industries, biotechnology, information technology, communications and agritechnology.

“These industries have been identified as among the fastest growing global businesses,” he said.

Tengku Abdullah added that by exploring new sources of revenue, it would indirectly preserve the environment.

“It’s undeniable that the forestry sector provides timber of high value. However, uncontrolled logging will bring about the destruction of our forests.

“To preserve and manage our forests, I urge the state Forestry Department to strengthen sustainable forest management. The holistic ‘Forest Beyond Timbers’ approach should also be practiced to protect the state’s forestry treasures,” he said.