The Machang district will be gazetted as part of the Southern Kelantan Development Board (KESEDAR) if Barisan Nasional (BN) is given the opportunity to rule the state after the 14th general election (GE14).

Kelantan UMNO Liaison Committee deputy chairman Datuk Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub said BN would include this proposal in its manifesto for GE14.

"What is important is that from now on Machang voters must give their full support if they want this to be realised," he said in his speech at the launching of the state-level 'Rumah Bina Negara' programme at Kampung Lepan Kandis, Pulai Chondong.

Ahmad Jazlan, who is also Machang Member of Parliament, said Kelantan BN, prior to this, had suggested to the PAS-led government to gazette Machang as part of KESEDAR, but was rejected due to political reasons.

Ahmad Jazlan, who is Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister, said many high-impact development projects would be able to be implemented in the area if Machang was included in KESEDAR.

In the meantime, Ahmad Jazlan said Kelantan BN also promised to develop Tok Bali in Pasir Puteh as the most developed fisheries harbour on the east coast, other than turning Tumpat as a major tourism entry point and Lojing in Gua Musang on par with Cameron Highlands in Pahang.

"Tok Bali and Tumpat have great potentials for development due to the East Coast Rail Line (ECRL) project in both areas," he said.

-- BERNAMA