THE disparity between pace of economic growth and physical development between Penang and Kelantan can perhaps be gauged by the “Pearl of the Orient” having raked in electrical and electronics (E&E) exports exceeding RM350 bil in 1H 2026 while the “Verandah of Mecca” is still struggling to complete a bus terminal.
Such state of lamentation was expressed by political and current affairs site, Unofficial Info, after Penang’s E&E exports jumped by more than 80% in the first six months of 2026 from the same period last year driven by global demand for semiconductor products.
According to Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Penang consistently contributed more than 60% to Malaysia’s overall E&E exports while globally, the DAP-ruled state which is known as the “Silicon Valley of the East” also contributes more than 5% to global semiconductor sales.
In Penang, discussions have moved to efforts to produce tens of thousands of skilled engineers, master the semiconductor value chain and be gearing up to seize opportunities from the US$1 tril global industry.
In Kelantan, meanwhile, the land treatment work for its much-awaited Kota Bharu Integrated Bus Station Terminal a.k.a. KB Sentral project was reported to be 21 days late.
The actual progress of the project only reached 40.07% compared to the 47.26% target according to schedule.
The state government cited heavy rains and delays in the installation of the prefabricated vertical drain as among the reasons for the delay.
“The land treatment has yet to be completed when Kelantanese have been waiting far too long to get a more organised and comfortable bus terminal,” rued Unofficial Media.
This comparison is not just to disparage Kelantan but shows how far the gap in priorities and administrative capabilities between the two states is.
One state is discussing chip design, high-tech talent and its position in the global supply chain. Another is still explaining why the site of a bus station is behind schedule.
Editor’s Note: The RM64 mil KB Sentral project in Tunjong, Kota Bharu was revived in July 2025 after having been delayed for two years following the appointment of China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) Construction as the main contractor.
The new terminal will replace the ‘dilapidated’ temporary bus terminal in Lembah Sireh which has been operational for more than a dozen years. It is slated for completion in 2028 or before the Kelantan Malaysian Games (SUKMA).
The previous attempt to develop the KB Sentral project had been hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak.
Apparently, the Kelantan state government claimed that it is taking a cautious approach in completing the integrated bus terminal to ensure that the project does not face bigger problems in the event the appointed contractor does not have sufficient financial capacity or competence.
Its state Public Works, Infrastructure, Water and Rural Development EXCO Datuk Dr Izani Husin said the state government does not want to rush to choose a (new) contractor as the project could ultimately face the risk of being abandoned.
While this approach has caused the KB Sentral development period to take longer, the state government insisted that it wants to ensure that the project can be completed well.
At the end of the day, the poster’s assessment is such that while “Kelantan leaders may be great at talking about national politics, power struggles and the weaknesses of other states”, even a basic project in the form of a a bus terminal can be too complicated to complete.
“Penang exports technology worth RM350 bil. Kelantan, on the other hand, is still waiting for the bus station land to dry up,” he jibed.
Perhaps, bus terminal is less worrisome to Kelantanese as much as having access to clean water supply – another unending woe that almost every household in the state has to endure.
Or perhaps, contrasting the fortune of Penang and Kelantan is tantamount to comparing earth to heaven. – Aug 16, 2026
