Kelantan Regent Appreciates, Backs Federal Development Efforts

KOTA BHARU, April 20 (Bernama) -- The Regent of Kelantan, Tengku Muhammad Fakhry Petra, today expressed appreciation and welcomed continued efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen the national economy, saying such initiatives have also brought tangible benefits to the state.

“I would like to convey my highest appreciation and gratitude to the federal government, especially the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, for the strategic collaboration with the state government, which has contributed to the successful implementation of various development projects here,” he said in his royal address at the opening of the first meeting of the fourth session of the 15th State Legislative Assembly here today.

The Regent also welcomed the completion and operation of the upgraded Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (LTSIP), expressing hope that federal-state cooperation would continue through projects such as Kota Bharu Sentral, integrated with the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), to serve as a modern transit hub and economic catalyst.

Last Saturday, Anwar officiated the airport’s new terminal, which is positioned as a potential regional hub, including for southern Thailand.

The facility features over 20 check-in counters, a multi-storey car park, dedicated taxi lanes, a fire and rescue station, expanded aircraft bays and a cashless operating system.

The airport’s capacity is expected to rise to four million passengers annually, up from 1.5 million, with the terminal expanded from 12,000 to 36,000 square metres.

A redesigned layout separates departure and arrival areas to ease congestion, while aircraft parking bays have increased to 11 from five. Parking capacity has also been expanded to about 1,300 spaces from 350.

The upgrades are expected to improve passenger flow, particularly during peak travel periods such as Aidilfitri.

The Regent added that infrastructure in Kelantan still requires further improvement to keep pace with other states, and called for continued federal involvement in planning and implementation.

“Comprehensive infrastructure development will serve as a catalyst for further growth and future development planning,” he said.

-- BERNAMA