Major Projects Listed In RMK13 But Govt Open To Accepting Applications For New, Urgent Projects In Kelantan - PM Anwar

KOTA BHARU, Aug 9 (Bernama) -- The government is open to accepting applications for new, urgent projects from Kelantan, even though the allocation for major projects has already been listed in the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13), said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said the prioritisation of projects listed in the RMK13 was also made through direct engagement with the state government.

"Although we have presented the RMK13, there have been several new applications submitted, and if we see there is a priority, we will study them, especially if the projects are urgent like flood mitigation, water supply, energy supply, and eradication of hardcore poverty.

"We have now started engaging on the national budget, which will certainly take into account the RMK13, so we will review what can be added and prioritised," he said when officiating the closing ceremony of the Kelantan 2025 MADANI Rakyat Program (PMR) at the grounds of Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium here today.

Also present were Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Chang Lih Kang; Minister of Home Affairs 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 that compared to before, engagement sessions have been simplified by taking into account input from the state government.

"This means that 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.

Meanwhile, regarding the Kelantan 2025 PMR, the Prime Minister said the program was the best opportunity for the government to get closer and convey information directly to the people.

"Hopefully, through this MADANI Rakyat Program, we (the government) can get closer to the people's problems and also elevate any programs that need attention," he said.

The Kelantan 2025 PMR, led by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), was a three-day event that began last Thursday. It was a collaborative effort with the Implementation Coordination Unit, Prime Minister's Department (ICU JPM), and supported by various government ministries and agencies.

The PMR 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.

Meanwhile, in a post on his official Facebook page today, Anwar said the Kelantan 2025 PMR was not just a platform to announce achievements, but a space for the people to evaluate, speak up, and provide valuable input on the cost of living, education, security, and new technologies that are important drivers in strengthening national policy.

"The economic growth we plan must raise the standard of living for the people. That is why the MADANI Government raised the minimum wage, increased the income of fishermen and farmers, and raised the salaries of civil servants, even though it involved an allocation of up to RM18 billion, because every drop of the people's sweat should be reciprocated and appreciated.

"We are bravely tackling the cost of living by restructuring chicken subsidies, elevating local produce, and driving agricultural productivity. This step is not only to control prices but to build national resilience," he said.

Anwar said that future generations must also be prepared with knowledge of artificial intelligence (AI), Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), while modern education should be combined with Islamic heritage and cultural values so that they are firmly rooted in their heritage and agile enough to compete on the world stage.

He said this is what MADANI is about: listening to the voice of the people, acting with determination, and ensuring inclusive progress for all.

-- BERNAMA