BUTTERWORTH: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has ordered all agencies and departments involved in infrastructure-related projects to expedite construction processes in the interests of the people and the country’s economy.
The prime minister said Malaysia’s globally-recognised performance opens up many investment opportunities for the country.
This, he said, would require infrastructure aspects to be improved because guaranteed infrastructure is a priority for investors.
“This means, (it is a) necessity for the federal government to formulate policies and cooperation (together with) progressive and efficient state governments. This truly helps. So, I hope we maintain peace and safeguard the interests of the nation and the people’s interests.
“Not many countries are able to achieve what we do because of the spirit and interest. We are never perfect, and I have never claimed that we are perfect.
“If there are weaknesses, we must correct them. Delays (in projects) should not happen and projects need to be expedited.
“(That is why) we strongly object to corruption (which is the cause of delays), and it is still happening.
“We (the government) issue warnings and give full clearance to the MACC (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission), police, and IRB (Inland Revenue Board) to proceed (with investigations) because that is their responsibility.
“So, we managed to collect a large amount of funds, saving the country from leakages, wastages and corruption. (But), the agenda is not yet complete,” he said.
Anwar said this at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Traffic Dispersal Project between the Juru and Sungai Dua toll plazas at the Seberang Jaya Expo Site.
The prime minister said the traffic dispersal project, aimed at overcoming congestion, was one of the projects which was both needed and long-awaited for by the people, not only in Penang but also in other northern states such as Kedah.
“Events like this demonstrate the importance of infrastructure for the people’s comfort. That is paramount.”
Anwar mentioned the Kerian Integrated Green Industrial Park (KIGIP) in northwestern Perak, bordering with Penang, saying that the matter of traffic congestion was brought up by investors.
“(The investors) said there is a port and an airport in Penang, but the roads are congested. When the investors brought this up, I gave my assurances that we would solve the problem and today, Alhamdullillah, the first phase (of solving it) has been completed,” he said.
For the record, the project which covers 17.3km and cost RM3 billion, aims to disperse traffic to resolve local congestion issues that disrupt the national economy, especially in the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia.
The problem of traffic congestion between the Juru and Sungai Dua toll plazas of the North-South Expressway has long been a complaint for highway users and local residents.
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