KOTA BHARU (July 9): The Kelantan State Action Council (MTNg) which conducted its second meeting today, focused on key issues involving water resources management and the need for clean water in the state.

Its chairman Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said the issues were pertaining to the Integrated River Basin Development (PLSB) project, the Lebir Dam construction project, the hydroelectric project at Nenggiri and Air Kelantan Sdn Bhd's (AKSB) water supply scheme project at Merbau Condong, Machang.

"We have examined the four important work papers to ensure that Kelantan continues to be developed in a sustainable and inclusive manner in line with the idea of ?? shared prosperity expressed by Prime Minister (Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad) recently, which has become the basis of the country's economy. We do not want any state or region left behind in terms of development," he said.

He was speaking to reporters after chairing the 2nd Kelantan MTNg Meeting at the Kota Darul Naim Complex here, today.

Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob, who is also the joint chairman of MTNg, was also present.

Mohamed Azmin said for the first phase of the PLSB project was crucial to tackle the flood problems in Kelantan.

He said the RM458 million-project was 19 per cent complete, and ahead of schedule.

The construction of the Lebir Dam would also be prioritised, as it was important in ensuring an adequate supply of water for drinking and domestic use, besides generating electricity.

"Priority will be given to this project even though it was originally included in RMK13, because there is an urgent need to avoid floods that affect the Kelantan economy, and I will forward the state government's proposal to accelerate the project through RMK12," he said.

He said the decision was also made after considering the Kemubu Agriculture Development Authority's view on the problem of rice cultivation in Kelantan, which fully relied on river water supply during the flood and drought seasons.

Mohamed Azmin, who is also Economic Affairs Minister, said his ministry was willing to consider AKSB's application to complete the water supply scheme project in Merbau Condong, Machang which had to be stalled as it required RM14.5 million in additional costs.

Meanwhile, commenting on the current status of Kelantan's strategic project implementation announced after MTNg's first meeting in March, he said several provisions were approved by the Ministry of Finance to ensure that projects were completed on time.

"For example, the acquisition of the Sultan Ismail Petra Airport will be done in the fourth quarter of this year, whereby the tender process will commence," he said.

Meanwhile, Mohamed Azmin said that the appointment of Kelantan Menteri Besar as MTNg joint chairman was important in order to streamline efforts in developing the state.

He said the appointment would enable the Federal and state government departments and agencies to work together to solve problems and issues related to development projects in Kelantan more efficiently and effectively. — Bernama