Big transformation in store for Bagan Datuk, says DPM

SERDANG: Bagan Datuk is set to transform with various projects in the works, including a proposed undersea tunnel between the town and Sumatra.

Speaking to some 2,500 residents from the town, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said a sizeable development allocation of RM2.3bil had been approved by the Prime Minister for Bagan Datuk.

The funds, he said, would be channelled through various ministries and agencies for the town’s development under the 10th and 11th Malaysia Plans.

The Deputy Prime Minister, who is also Bagan Datuk MP, said the Government wanted to ensure the people’s aspirations came true under the National Transformation 2050 (TN50).

“I thank the Prime Minister. It is real – not a dream or fantasy.

“It is in the 10th and 11th Malaysia Plans,” he said during a TN50 talk on Bagan Datuk here yesterday.

Among these, he said, were the construction of affordable homes under the People’s Housing Project and the 1Malaysia Public Housing Project as well as colleges, schools and a special prison for those held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

“This planning is not just on paper. All the projects have already started,” he said to applause.

Later, he told reporters that a private entity proposed a US$20bil (RM78.2bil) undersea tunnel from Bagan Datuk to Sumatra, which had been approved in principle for physical planning.

“However, it needs Environ­mental Impact Assessment Report approval and because it involves cooperation between Asean member states, its implementation requires certain procedures to be followed and diplomatic relations and protocols to be maintained.

“We want investors to come in with the consent of the Perak government and the approval of both the Malaysian and Indonesian governments as well as the governors of certain provinces in Sumatra.

“As this is a private initiative, I leave it to them to seek approval from the relevant parties,” he said.

Barisan Nasional, he also said, was campaigning hard to recapture the Hutan Melintang state seat under his constituency from the Opposition in the general election.

“Support for Barisan from voters in Hutan Melintang and the Bagan Datuk parliamentary constituency as a whole is on the increase.

“This is very important to ensure Barisan wins Bagan Datuk with an even bigger majority,” he said. — Bernama