ECER

October 17, 2007 17:34 PM
ECER: Govt Identifies 227 Devt Projects For Kelantan, Terengganu & Pahang
KUANTAN, Oct 17 (Bernama) -- The federal government has identified 227 development projects worth RM112 billion for implementation in Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang under the Eastern Corridor Economic Region (ECER), says Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin.He, however, said the federal government was also prepared to consider projects proposed by state governments.But they would have to be studied in accordance to their priority and suitability before being incorporated into the overall plan of the federal government and Petronas, the chief architect of ECER.Speaking to reporters after attending a briefing on the ECER at Wisma Sri Pahang here Wednesday, he said every state government would have its own priorities and what were being asked for by them would be considered in accordance with such priorities so that they could fit into what had been planned by the federal government and Petronas.The three-hour briefing by Petronas Vice President (Corporate Planning and Development Division) Datuk Nasarudin Md Idris was also attended by the Sultan of Pahang, Sultan Ahmad Shah, the Tengku Mahkota of Pahang, Tengku Abdullah, Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob and members of the Pahang state government's executive committee and state assemblymen.The federal government will be studying proposals from the Pahang state government and they include upgrading Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport in Kuantan, road construction and focusing on the tourism sector.Dr Awang Adek also said that the federal government need not implement the proposals immediately but would carry them out in stages until 2020."One or two proposals may not be included in the ECER plan as yet and this did not mean that they had not been considered but may be carried out (later on) in accordance with their priority," he said.Meanwhile, Sultan Ahmad Shah thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for his deep concern for the social and economic development of the people, especially those in Pahang.The sultan advised the people to be patient while awaiting development under the ECER and to support the government."I am giving 100 per cent support to the (ECER) development plan and the projects to be implemented in the hope that the present generation and generations to come will be able to experience the benefits of development," he said.-- BERNAMA