By Jason Yeo
KELANTAN’s ongoing water issues stemmed from the federal government’s decision to sideline the state, according to a PAS leader.
According to PAS Youth chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari, Kelantan has been treated like UMNO’s ‘stepchild’ for the past 30 years, with grants and allocations allocated to other states except Kelantan during the Barisan Nasional (BN) administration.
“The states under BN were given contributions, grants and allocations, but not Kelantan [and] it is only now that the federal government has decided to give allocations to Kelantan,” Ahmad said during a ceramah in Pasir Mas, Kelantan last night (Aug 3).
“We need grants for water development because the population is growing, housing estates are being built, but the pipes cannot be expanded due to a lack of funds and allocations.
“That’s why when we (PAS) are in power, this matter is fixed so quickly with procedures and governance when allocations are given to Kelantan,” he said.
According to Ahmad Fadhli, who is also Pasir Mas MP, instantly repairing the damage that has been done over decades is not an easy task.
Previously, incumbent Kelantan deputy menteri besar Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah acknowledged that insufficient allocation from the federal government is the main reason Kelantan has issues with clean water supply.
This is contrary to claims of mismanagement by Air Kelantan Sdn Bhd (AKSB).
Mohd Amar also said that the Kelantan state government hopes the unity government will speed up approval of the remaining RM1.2 billion from its RM1.7 billion allocation to resolve longstanding water woes in the state.
According to Mohd Amar, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced a RM500 mil immediate allocation, which is part of the RM1.7 bil announced for the state to help Kelantan address its water supply issue.
Mohd Amar said the Kelantan govt initially had asked for a RM8 bil federal allocation to address the issue, but the unity government decided that a special committee would be set up to discuss this and agreed to an allocation of RM1.7 bil first.
The dirty water supply has been a long-standing issue in PAS-led Kelantan, triggering locals to introduce the term ‘air karat’ (rusty water). – Aug 4, 2023
Main pic credit: SatuBerita
