KUANTAN, Oct 11  -- The RM69.5-million allocation to upgrade the Kuantan Port by the East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) will encourage more investors to go into Pahang.

Menteri Besar of Pahang Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said the announcement is “right on time” because it was online with the state government’s plans to create another industrial park near the port in the future.

He said the new 1,215-hectare industrial park will be known as the Kuantan International Industrial Park (KIIP).

“The allocation will be an additional boost for potential investors to start factories at KIIP other than the nearby industrial areas like the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP). 

"The upgraded Kuantan Port will make it easier to transport goods in and out, especially goods from China," he said in a statement here today.

When tabling Budget 2020 which was themed ‘Driving Growth and Equitable Outcomes Towards Shared Prosperity’ in Parliament today, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng announced that Kuantan Port would receive RM69.5 million for upgrading works under the ECERDC. 

Wan Rosdy also welcomed the RM810 million allocated for the Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA) community, including RM100 million for water supply and RM70 million for housing for the new generation of FELDA settlers.

“The allocation will benefit about 43,124 settlers who make up the largest group in the country, as well as their family members here.

"I also welcome the announcement to build new health clinics including in Cameron Highlands as at present, the health clinic is in the small town in Tanah Rata," he said. 

Wan Rosdy said he hoped all the announcements that were made, especially the positive ones about Pahang, can be realised for the benefit and well-being of the people in the state. 

-- BERNAMA