Rural folk’s mindset crucial for economic progress in Terengganu

KUALA TERENGGANU: Strate­gies to balance rural and urban development are sound and logical but the local mindset needs to change before any plan could bear fruit, said Assoc Prof Dr Nur Azura Sanusi.

Referring to the mid-term review of the 11th Malaysia Plan, she was of the view that the complacent attitude could pose a challenge in ramping up economic activities in the state.

She said Terengganu folk tend to be more laid-back compared to their neighbours in Kelantan, citing the mentality of some people who were already comfortable with their income.

“This is the reality of the challenges in implementing the strategies in Terengganu,” she said when contacted.

Dr Nur Azura, who is from the School of Social and Economic Development at Universiti Malay­sia Terengganu, said that Kelantan seemed to be a more attractive destination for investors given its people’s entrepreneurial spirit and logistic ease.

“But overall, I believe this is a good plan that aims to help the B40 group on the microeconomic level and spur economic growth in the macro-economic level,” she said.