Kota Bharu: The Sultan of Kelantan, Sultan Muhammad V, has expressed deep concern regarding security issues along the Malaysia-Thailand border. In light of this, he emphasized the urgent need to finalize the proposal for constructing a wall and establishing a buffer zone in the Sungai Golok area without delay. Sultan Muhammad V said this in his royal address when opening the Third Term of the 15th Kelantan State Legislative Assembly today.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Sultan also stressed the urgent need for a swift resolution to the recurring flood issues in the state. He urged that the integrated river basin projects for Sungai Kelantan and Sungai Golok be expedited in all its phases. Priority must be given to the construction of the Lebir Dam, as it is crucial in addressing the flood challenges in Kelantan.
Sultan Muhammad V further 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. He encouraged the exploration and cultivation of 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 called for the immediate development of an agricultural produce collection centre in Lojing to avoid losing key opportunities for revenue, investment, and economic growth. He also urged local authorities to focus on ensuring that towns in Kelantan remain clean and vibrant.
Expressing appreciation to the National Landscape Department for its cooperation with the Kota Bharu Municipal Council - Islamic City in the successful execution of the landscape project, Sultan Muhammad V hoped that all local authorities, with governmental support, would address the issue of abandoned buildings and capitalize on economic opportunities within the city to further bolster local development.
Additionally, His Royal Highness emphasized the need to accelerate infrastructure development and offer competitive tax exemption incentives to attract greater investment to Kelantan. He highlighted the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project as a strategic development that could generate significant economic multiplier effects for the state.
Sultan Muhammad V also recommended that the state government explore and introduce alternative education platforms, especially in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), aligning with current industry demands. Focus areas should include developing the manufacturing sector, upgrading clean water supply infrastructure, enhancing road networks, advancing agricultural and tourism sectors, and empowering other high-potential industries.
He expressed satisfaction with the harmonious relationship between the federal and state governments, noting its importance in driving progress. The Sultan called for prioritizing infrastructure projects approved under the 11th and 12th Malaysia Plans and collaborative efforts for optimizing land use for agricultural productivity and biodiversity conservation initiatives across the state.