Federal government urged to upgrade Kota Bharu Airport into an international airport

File pic: Sultan Muhammad V

KOTA BHARU: The Sultan of Kelantan, Sultan Muhammad V, wants the state government to make systematic and concerted efforts in tackling environmental issues such as soil erosion and river pollution which are also seen as serious global issues.

The Sultan said unethical logging and mining activities could have serious adverse impact on water quality and the people's quality of life.

"Therefore, enforcement of the law by all the entrusted parties must be tightened and intensified," the Sultan said in his speech at the investiture ceremony in conjunction with his 45th birthday celebration at Istana Balai Besar, here, today.

The Sultan's speech text was read out by the Kelantan Regent, Dr Tengku Muhammad Fa'iz Petra Ibni Sultan Ismail Petra.

Earlier, 240 people received their state awards, titles and medals or appointment letters as Justices of the Peace (JP) from the Regent.

The Kelantan Sultan in his speech, meanwhile, thanked the federal government for its plan to set up the Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) in the state capital which would further improve the public service delivery.

He said he was also happy that the state government and federal government had reached an agreement to implement the Kota Bharu - Kuala Krai Highway project.

"I hope the cooperation and concurrence will continue in other infrastructural and development programmes for the people in this state," he said.

The Sultan also suggested that the federal government give appropriate consideration to development projects that would have a big impact on Kelantan's economic landscape.

The projects include upgrading of the Sultan Ismail Petra Airport into an international airport, Sungai Golok flood-mitigation project, third phase of the East Coast Expressway and Kampung Cina-Pelekbang bridge.

Sultan Muhammad V also urged the state government to explore new fields using high-technology like the green technology and bio-economic industries.

Chief Justice Tun Arifin Zakaria led the list of 630 recipients of state awards, titles and medals or appointments as JP in conjunction with the Kelantan Sultan's birthday celebration this time.

Ariffin was bestowed the state award, Ahli Yang Pertama (Seri Paduka) Bagi Darjah Kebesaran Mahkota Kelantan Yang Amat Mulia (SPMK), which carries the title of Datuk Lela Negara.

Source: BERNAMA | 11 November 2014