ALOR SETAR: In an effort to develop Alor Setar, the Federal Government has in principle agreed to allow land allocated to padi fields to be used for industrial and housing purposes, saysDatuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said this will allow more new areas and land to be developed in Kedah.
"By slightly reducing the padi field and expanding the Alor Setar land areas, new land can be secured to meet Kedah’s growing needs for industrial, housing and commercial development," he said in his speech during the closing ceremony of Program Madani Rakyat 2025 Kedah at Dewan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Baling District Council Sports Complex on Saturday (Sept 6).
Anwar said this is why it is important for the Federal Government to hold constant negotiations with the state government.
He said this method marks a historic step, as for the first time such consultations are being held directly in the states to listen to local voices.
He said during the presentation of the 13th Malaysia Plan on July 31, the Federal Government has its own priorities but he stressed that the government must listen to what states need as well.
He said for the upcoming national budget, it will be adjusted to reflect not only federal priorities but also the specific needs of each state, with state-level views to be incorporated for the first time in shaping allocations.
"I have requested that new projects for 2026 be planned by taking into account both federal and state-level input, with adjustments made to ensure suitability," he said.
On the Program Madani Rakyat 2025 Kedah, Anwar said it is an excellent platform by the Home Ministry to let people know what has been achieved and done by the Federal Government.
He said the platform is expected to give the people greater transparency and a clearer view of how development priorities are set.
Present during the event were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.
The three-day programme drew nearly 110,000 visitors.
Held under the theme ‘Caring People, Peaceful Nation, Secure Future’, PMR 2025 Kedah reflected the government’s aspiration to build a compassionate, united and resilient society.
National peace remains the foundation of sustainable development, while securing the future serves as the pathway to nurturing a more prosperous and competitive generation.
