Tanah Tinggi Lojing is now Lojing Highlands

KOTA BARU: The Kelantan government is giving Tanah Tinggi Lojing an English name to turn it into a viable tourism and investment destination.

Deputy Mentri Besar Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah says they are naming it “Lojing Highlands” to add commercial value.

“We want Lojing Highlands to be at par with Cameron Highlands,” he told the state assembly.

He said a Lojing development committee would tap its vast potential.

On the orang asli blockade to check rampant logging and mining activities, Mohd Amar said a special task force comprising the Forestry Department and Environment Department had been set up to address the problem.

State Industrial, Trade, Investment and Entrepreneur Development Committee chairman Datuk Hanifa Ahmad said a Dubai-based company had identified Lojing for a black tulip plantation project.

“The company is also planning to invest RM350 mil to build hotel and chalets at Lojing.

“The company, which has operations in Kenya and India, is committed to investing in Lojing.

“Sooner or later, Lojing will be as great as Cameron Highlands.

“Another company from Japan is planning to invest RM5mil to RM10mil in Lojing to set up tissue culture research and development facilities,” he said when winding up the debate.

Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob said the state government was committed to forging cordial ties with the Federal Government in line with the practice of federalism enshrined in the Constitution in the interests of the rakyat.

“We, the state government, demand the Federal Government fulfil its responsibility,” Ahmad said.