Putrajaya committed to balanced development in SG4, says Rafizi

PETALING JAYA: The government says it is committed to ensuring balanced development throughout the country, including in the four Perikatan Nasional-led states dubbed the “state government four” (SG4).

In a written parliamentary reply to Ku Abd Rahman Ku Ismail (Bersatu-Kubang Pasu), economy minister Rafizi Ramli said the government intends to continue developing and improving basic infrastructure in Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis.

“Under the fifth rolling plan for 2025, RM7.92 billion in basic development allocations have been approved under various ministries for these states.”

Rafizi said major development projects being implemented in these states include the highway from Kota Bharu to Kuala Krai in Kelantan and a new Kuala Terengganu bypass road.

“In line with strategies outlined in the 12th Malaysia Plan, the government will also continue efforts to attract quality investments.”

Rafizi said projects outlined include youth development programmes managed by the East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC).

He said the government has prepared allocations amounting to RM226 million for ECERDC next year, RM238.45 million for the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority, RM121.57 million for the Iskandar Regional Development Authority and RM240 million for the Regional Corridor Development Authority (or Recoda, to drive development in Sarawak).

“The government is confident the projects being planned will contribute to the states’ economic growth and provide various benefits to the public,” he said.