Perlis In Final Study Of Establishing New Towns - MB

KANGAR, Dec 9 (Bernama) -- The Perlis government is now in the final phase of a study to establish eight new towns, an initiative expected to transform the state’s development landscape.

Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli said the creation of the new towns, along with the planned expansion of Kangar and Arau, is being carried out under Section 11 of the National Land Code.

“We have allocated funds to ensure the initiative can be implemented and gazetted beginning March 2026, covering economic activities and infrastructure that will directly benefit the people,” he told reporters after tabling the 2026 State Budget, themed ‘Perlisku Bestari Rakyat Sejahtera’, at the State  Assembly (DUN) sitting today.

Mohd Shukri said the locations of the new towns would be finalised through the ongoing study, while the gazetting process would be aligned with the Perlis State Structure Plan (RSN) 2040, which outlines the state's long-term development direction.

Meanwhile, he said the state government will introduce the “Sumbangan Beras Prihatin Perlis” programme next year, involving an allocation of RM105,000 to support vulnerable groups of all races and religions in coping with rising living costs.

“The rice distribution will be made monthly beginning in January 2026 through the service centres of elected representatives in all 15 state constituencies, with recipient data verified through the Perlis Federal Development Office (ICU) and related agencies to prevent duplication.

“It targets the B40 group, who will receive monthly assistance through these service centres. We want to ensure that our people have access to sufficient, nutritious basic food,” he said.

-- BERNAMA