KUANTAN: Regent of Pahang Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah Al-Sultan Abdullah has called upon the Pahang government to set up a task force to expedite road repair works across the state.
The Regent had expressed gratitude and appreciation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for approving over RM400 million of the Malaysian Road Records Information System (Marris) annual allocation to restore the roads in Pahang.
"I hope the allocation will help resolve the issues concerning damaged roads to provide comfort to road users here. The state government should establish a task force to ensure the road repair works can be completed swiftly.
"Do not issue the tender or quote the price (for road works) when the monsoon season arrives," he said in his royal address at the opening of the 15th state legislative assembly sitting at Wisma Sri Pahang here today.
On April 18, Anwar during his visit to Pahang said the Pahang government will receive RM400 million under the Marris grants to upgrade damaged roads in the state.
The ruler also lightened up the mood in the august house when he recited a 'pantun' concerning the road conditions.
Dari Semambu hingga ke Gebeng,
Berlopak sudah sana dan sini,
Kebajikan rakyat tak dipandang enteng,
Jalan raya pastikan dibaiki.
Tengku Hassanal also thanked the Federal government for resuming the flood mitigation project in the affected states including Pahang, saying each time during the monsoon season, thousands of his subjects were badly affected.
"Therefore, it has to be immediately implemented for the interest of my people and I do not want the planned government projects in Pahang to be behind schedule. It will be a waste if the people are unable to utilise the projects which are supposed to be completed early.
"To the contractors involved in the project, execute the job properly and use high quality materials which meet the specifications," he said.
He also urged elected representatives from both sides of the divide to join forces in helping to develop the state.
"The state is already on the right track with the increase in revenues and various initiatives offered for the people but there is still room for improvements. Focus more on the people's problems such as water supply issues, roads, floods, job opportunities, traffic congestion, safety and youth development.
"The opposition can provide constructive ideas to help the government and not only attack all the efforts taken by the government. Praise the good efforts and give views when something is lacking....the people want stable and mature politics.
"The opposition elected representatives should also be celebrated (treated equally) as they were also chosen by the people. Fair allocation should also be given to them (the opposition)," he said.
Tengku Hassanal expressed regret over a baby dumping case at Tanjung Lumpur here on April 29, saying he hopes such heartbreaking incidents will not continue to occur in Pahang.
"Suitable counselling guidance along with religious education has to be introduced to create awareness among the youths. Therefore, I instruct all government departments and agencies along with non-governmental organisations to work together.
"Awareness campaigns at all levels of the community, including through talks and social media, should be expanded to help curb baby dumping, drugs, Mat rempit and domestic violence. Education agencies should be roped in to assist in the crime prevention efforts," he said.
Tengku Hassanal said the opening of the Pahang state assembly today will be his last as the Regent of Pahang as next year, his father (Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah) will return as the Sultan of Pahang.
The Pahang state assembly sitting resumes tomorrow.