RM6.1mil spent on Hari Raya open houses in three states

A TOTAL of RM6.1mil was spent to hold the Malaysia Madani Aidilfitri open houses in Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu, says Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.

The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah, Sarawak Affairs and Special Functions) said the open houses which was attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was handled by the Project Acceleration and Coordination Unit (Pacu).

In a written reply, he said that the Malaysia Madani open house event in Kedah cost RM3.1mil, while similar events in Kelantan and Terengganu cost RM1.5mil each, respectively.

“The total expenditure covered all expenses including venue preparation, logistics and expenses to provide refreshments to the public,” said Armizan in response to Datuk Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang), who asked the government to state the full cost of holding the Malaysia Madani open houses hosted by the prime minister, including the logistical aspects involving ministries and government machinery in Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Penang, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu between April 29 and May 14.

Armizan said that the open house in Kedah had attracted 25,000 people, while 15,000 attendees showed up in Kelantan and Terengganu, respectively.

He pointed out that last year’s Hari Raya Aildilfitri open house held in Seri Perdana that saw an attendance of 70,000 costs RM11mil, showing that the Malaysia Madani open house provides more space for leaders to meet and interact with people at various locations.

“The hosting of the Malaysia Madani open houses also received the cooperation from federal ministries, departments and state governments.

“This allowed for a reduction in cost, especially in terms of human resources and logistical requirements,” he said.

The open houses also provided opportunity to small traders to generate economic activities such as being service and food providers throughout the event.

“It also brought economic impact to hotel operators, transportation providers and other related businesses,” Armizan said.