KUANTAN - The people of Pahang must prepare to welcome investors and a rising number of tourists expected to arrive as a result of several high-impact strategic projects currently being developed in the state.
Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said among the key projects driving this growth were the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), the Central Spine Road (LTU) and the Kuantan Port expansion; all set to accelerate the state’s economic development.
He said these three projects formed a strategic infrastructure network that strengthens Pahang’s position as a logistics and trade hub for the East Coast region.
"The ECRL, which will directly connect Pahang to the West Coast, will shorten travel time and reduce logistics costs, while creating vast opportunities for the growth of industries, tourism and trade.
"Meanwhile, the LTU will serve as the backbone of a modern highway network connecting the rural districts in western Pahang to major towns, while Kuantan Port will function as the main gateway for international trade," he said.
He said this during the "Town Hall Rakyat bersama Tok Wan" programme organised by Sinar Harian in collaboration with the Pahang State Strategic Communication Unit (UKS), held at Dewan Datuk Seri Abdul Manan Ismail here on Tuesday.
Wan Rosdy added that these strategic facilities were expected to attract more investors and tourists to the state in the coming years.
"Even though these three facilities are not fully completed yet, tourist arrivals in Pahang have continued to rise each year.
"The tourism sector in Pahang has shown positive growth, recording nearly 13 million visitors from January to September this year compared to 13.74 million for the whole of last year," he said.
He expressed confidence that by the end of this year, tourist arrivals will likely reach 15 million.
Meanwhile, he said the state government’s initiative to develop a 16-kilometre radius surrounding ECRL stations was also expected to attract investors and tourists.
"We have seven stations and the designated areas will be developed with commercial buildings, residential properties and attractions.
"In Bentong, for instance, we launched Pangsapuri Pahangku; a pilot project that will offer modern, comfortable and affordable housing options for residents, especially young people, city workers, and middle-income couples," he said.
He said Pangsapuri Pahangku was being built near the Bentong ECRL Station, with a focus on balancing housing, mobility and local economic growth.
"All of these efforts will serve as key attractions for investors and tourists to come to Pahang, so the people must be ready," he said.