KOTA BHARU: The government is open to accepting applications for new, urgent projects from Kelantan, despite allocation for major projects has been listed in the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said the new application will be studied by the government if there is a priority, especially if they have an urgency such as flood mitigation, water supply, energy supply, and eradication of hardcore poverty.
"We have started engaging on the national budget, which will certainly take into account the 13MP, so we will review what can be added and prioritised," he said when officiating the closing ceremony of the Kelantan 2025 Madani Rakyat Program at the grounds of Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium here on Saturday (Aug 9).
Also present were Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang; Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said compared to before, engagement sessions have been simplified by taking into account input from the state government.
"Every time we visit a state, there is a special session that gives the state government an opportunity to provide input, in addition to monitoring ongoing projects.
"Sometimes, projects we announce have a large budget, but their implementation is stalled, which is why we continue these discussions with the aim of more effective implementation," he said.
On the Kelantan 2025 Madani Rakyat Program, Anwar said it was the best opportunity for the government to get closer and convey information directly to the people.
"Hopefully, through this, the government close in on issues of the people and elevate programs that needed attention," he said.
The Kelantan 2025 Madani Rakyat Program, led by the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry, was a three-day event that began last Thursday (Aug 7).
The program offered over 100 direct services to the public, an exhibition of the latest technology, and various community-reaching initiatives through the comprehensive approach of the Madani Government. — Bernama
