KOTA BARU: The Sultan of Kelantan, Sultan Muhammad V, has expressed deep concern over security issues along the Malaysia-Thailand border.
In his royal address at the opening of the Third Term of the 15th Kelantan State Legislative Assembly, His Royal Highness said there was an urgent need to finalise the proposal for constructing a wall and establishing a buffer zone in the Sungai Golok area.
He also stressed the urgent need for a swift resolution to the recurring flood issues in the state.
"I urge that the integrated river basin projects for Sungai Kelantan and Sungai Golok be expedited in all its phases," he said.
"Priority must be given to the construction of the Lebir Dam, as it is crucial in addressing the flood challenges in Kelantan," he added.
Sultan Muhammad V also urged government agencies, departments, and companies involved in the agricultural sector to remain focused on their core responsibilities while intensifying efforts to ensure the state and country's food security is firmly secured.
"I strongly encourage the government and the public to explore and cultivate high-potential crops, such as coconut and durian, as valuable sources of income within the agricultural sector.
In line with the Kelantan Agricultural Development Enactment (2022), His Royal Highness urged the immediate development of an agricultural produce collection centre in Lojing to avoid losing key opportunities for revenue, investment, and economic growth.
Sultan Muhammad V also urged local authorities to focus on ensuring that towns in Kelantan remain clean, beautiful and vibrant, apart from effective municipal management.
"I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the National Landscape Department for its valuable cooperation with the Kota Baru Municipal Council-Islamic City in successfully executing the landscape project.
"Additionally, I hope that all local authorities, with the full support of the government, will address the issue of abandoned buildings and capitalise on the economic opportunities within the city to further bolster local development," he added. – Bernama
