ECRL project necessary for Pahang's development - Tengku Abdullah

The Regent of Pahang, Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, today said the East Coast Rail Line (ECRL) project, which would be implemented by the federal government, was crucial for the state's economic development.

He said the project, stretching 620 kilometres and would link Kuala Lumpur and the East Coast, was important to ensure continuous investments in Pahang, and hence, employment for the people.

"I congratulate Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak for having secured high-impact investment from China in the construction of this ECRL project.

"It will not only create employment opportunities, but also create an economic spin off effect. This is good for Pahang and it is my hope that it will benefit the people, especially contractors and entrepreneurs in the state," he added.

Tengku Abdullah was speaking at the opening of the First Sitting of the Fifth Term of the 13th Pahang State Legislative Assembly at Wisma Sri Pahang here.

At the same time, he urged contractors and entrepreneurs in the state to regard the ECRL project as a challenge to prove their capabilities.

Tengku Abdullah also congratulated the Pahang government for the state's economic growth, of 4.6 per cent this year, compared with 4.3 per cent last year.

"The government continues with its development agenda with the implementation of projects under the 11th Malaysia Plan last year since last year, involving 141 new projects and 190 extension projects costing RM2.4 billion," he added.

He said the state government should also continue to empower the agriculture sector, including livestock rearing, towards realising the country's aspiration to maximise income through the sector.

"I want to see Pahang continues to contribute towards the state government's aspiration to be the supplier of food products for the country," he added.

Tengku Abdullah also reminded the state government to give priority to conserving the environment in the implementation of development projects.

"This is necessary because this state and its contents will be inherited by future generations.

"An environmental condition that is good and well-controlled can encourage tourism activities in the state and this helps create a good economic spin off effect," he added.

Towards this end, he called on all agencies to work together and take the necessary action against trespassers of government land. -- Bernama