Najib: ECRL is a game changer
Development projects will transform landscapes and mindsets, says PM
PEKAN: Development projects such as the East Coast Rail Line (ECRL) can bring about unimaginable changes to the surrounding landscape, not only in the physical sense but to the people’s mindsets as well, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
When the people see development happening around them, such changes will also transform them mentally, he added.
“Economic activities will become more robust than ever.
“We will also strive to raise a new generation who are competitive. It can build a progressive mentality among the people,” he said at a ceremony to hand over the Ganchong water treatment plant to the Pahang government here yesterday.
“The ECRL is a game changer and will encourage economic growth,” said the Prime Minister.
He added that the gross domestic product of Pahang is projected to increase by 1.5%, thanks to the ECRL.
“We want to see economic growth in Pahang reach a level that can bring about transformation.
“If we build a couple of roads and bridges, it may serve the local community.
“But when there’s such a huge project that goes across borders, it will bring in more investments. We call it a game changer.
“Although the ECRL will not pass through Pekan, it is still close enough to neighbouring Kuantan.
“Our industries here will have a choice of either Kuantan Port or Port Klang to export their products in the future,” he said.
Najib added that a survey has found that the Pahang public’s approval rate for the ECRL is at 96%.
“Only one or two of those Opposition folks are against the project. We can ignore them,” he said.
During the event, Najib witnessed the handing over of the RM255.1mil Ganchong water treatment plant from the East Coast Economic Region Development Council to the state government.
The plant was built to ensure uninterrupted treated water supply to more than 80,000 people, including households, business owners and investors in Pekan and its surrounding areas.
Najib said the plant will benefit key areas in his constituency such as the Pekan Automotive Park and Universiti Malaysia Pahang as well as residents in Tanjung Agas and Nenasi.
We want to see economic growth in Pahang reach a level that can bring about transformation.
Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak