Kedah infrastructure projects by govt not bait to lure voters - Nga

ALOR SETAR - Upgrades to public infrastructures amounting to RM36.34 million in Kedah, is not used as bait to lure voters for the upcoming state polls.

Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming said the allocation was the government’s responsibility in ensuring the welfare of the people was prioritised.

He said the Madani government is always fair and impartial with the allocations distributed, regardless of political differences.

"The allocation given is not for the election. The welfare of the people is prioritised regardless of race, religion, or political affiliation.

"Every penny spent should benefit the people, not only in terms of economic development but also in terms of social aspects. "The unity government has never isolated any state; every state receives the allocation channelled so that none is left behind," he said during a press conference here after visiting Teluk Wanjah Market on Saturday.

In the Sentuhan Kasih series for Kedah, the ministry has announced 95 approved projects worth RM36.34 million, encompassing 11 local authorities in the state.

"The large allocation, if benefitted without any leakage or waste, will reach its target. "That’s why it's important for the City Council, Municipal Council, and District Council to ensure every stage is implemented perfectly," he said.

He said among the four upgraded projects is the Teluk Wanjah Market, built in 2012, which will receive a RM500,000 allocation to implement 10 job scopes, including the construction of toilets in the food court.

"The Datuk Syed Omar Hall, which is over 30 years old, became a focus for holding sports, leisure activities, and sales exhibitions. The ministry has approved an allocation of RM350,000 for six scopes of repair work.

"The project to upgrade the drainage system in Taman Pulai Jaya Alor Setar amounted to RM700,000 for flash flood prevention works. Next is providing public facilities at the 30-year-old Dataran Kejat Medan Selera Darul Aman with an allocation of RM280,000," he said.

He said the ministry has also approved a total of RM3.78 million for the Alor Setar City Hall (MBAS) to implement 12 projects.

"All four infrastructure projects worth RM1.8 million must begin immediately, and the ministry will distribute the allocation as soon as possible. We want the projects to be completed this year.

"The chosen projects were the high-impact projects that are close to the hearts of the people, for example, upgrades to markets, repairing toilets, repairing roads, installing solar lights, and sustainable, green, and energy-saving measures. We will provide allocations based on the public’s demands," he explained.

Nga said all applications for local council (PBT) must be completed with quantity (BQ) approved by the Material Inspector to be cost-effective and reduce waste and leakage.