Proposed Perak-Kedah highway to uplift rural economy – Mukhriz

KOTA BHARU: A highway linking Kedah and Perak without passing through Penang could have a big impact on the socio-economy of rural residents, especially in Baling district, said Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Tun Mahathir.

He said the proposal would be forwarded to the federal government soon for consideration.

“People from Perak will usually pass through Penang to travel to Kedah, but we feel this should not necessarily be the way, so there is a need for a second route (covering rural areas). I think this will open up transportation for both states.”

Mukhriz said this to reporters after the second investiture ceremony held at Istana Balai Besar, here, yesterday in conjunction with the 49th birthday celebration of the Sultan of Kelantan, Sultan Muhammad V.

The state awards and medals were presented to the 393 recipients by Tengku Mahkota Kelantan, Tengku Muhammad Faiz Petra.

Mukhriz was responding to news reports on the Baling residents’ lot which has not changed much since the Baling Demonstration in 1974 and in fact, the majority of them who are rubber tappers are living below the poverty line.

Earlier, Mukhriz was awarded the Ahli Yang Kehormat Yang Pertama (Seri Paduka) Bagi Darjah Kebesaran Jiwa Mahkota Kelantan Yang Amat Mulia (S.J.M.K.) which carries the title, “Datuk”.

On the proposal by Universiti Utara Malaysia’s School of Economics, Finance and Banking dean, Prof Dr Russayani Ismail for Baling to become an agriculture centre, Mukhriz said the state government supported the idea.

Mukhriz said improving transport facilities also needed to be speeded up to give a maximum impact on the local economy.

“We propose to build a cargo airport not far from Baling. I believe if the highway and airport could be built, the rural areas like Baling and Sik would prosper,” he added. - Bernama