The Ministry of Works has allocated over RM1billion under the Tenth Malaysia Plan (10MP) for the first phase for a highway connecting Pahang to Gua Musang and Kuala Krai.
Minister of Works Shaziman Abu Mansor said the project starts from Simpang Pelangai, Pahang. “The 390km highway is expected to be fully completed by the end of the 10MP period,” he said after simultaneously launching the annual meetings of the Umno branches in the Machang division at Sekolah Kebangsaan Hamzah 2.
He was responding to the disappointment expressed by the division head Jazlan Yaacob that Kelantan had no highway like in other states. Shaziman, who is also an Umno Supreme Council member, said the four-lane highway, part of the East Coast Economic Region development program, would also shorten travel between Kota Bharu and Kuala Lumpur, as well as spur development in Kelantan.
On the busy Kuala Krai-Kota Bharu Road, he said the need for a new road would be considered. He said the ministry would like to invite companies to participate in the road building concession and would consider their applications. “A new road will ease congestion along the existing road, especially during the festive seasons with thousands of Kelantanese returning to their hometowns and villages for the celebrations,” he said.
– Bernama
CJMY
C. Khor
