Sultan of Kelantan Sultan Muhammad V called on the state government to take more proactive measures to ensure food security in the state.
His Royal Highness said the government needed to further examine all the applications to change the status of agricultural land to buildings to contain the reduction of such land, as well as disruption of the food supply chain.
"I am aware that the economic situation in 2023 is expected to grow slowly due to international geopolitical tensions, which contribute to the increase in commodity prices and worsen global inflation.
"I hope that the government views the matter seriously, and I recommend short-term measures to address the suffering of the people in terms of living pressure, (which) must be done as soon as possible."
Sultan Muhammad V said this in his royal address at the investiture in conjunction with his 54th birthday celebration at Istana Balai Besar here yesterday.
The message was read by Tengku Mahkota of Kelantan Tengku Dr Muhammad Faiz Petra Sultan Ismail Petra.
The ruler ordered that a viable investment mission be carried out effectively to ensure that the agenda of promoting Kelantan as a competitive investment destination continued to be successful.
"The planning needs to ensure sustainable development and emphasise environmental protection.
"Emphasis must also be given to the development of cities on the borders, considering the saturation of the population and (that) the economic activities of the people are concentrated in the areas."
Sultan Muhammad V hoped that the state and federal governments could continue high-impact infrastructure projects such as the Kota Baru-Kuala Krai Expressway, the Central Spine Road and the East Coast Rail Link, and that the upgrading of Sultan Ismail Petra airport would be completed according to schedule.
The recommendation was also expressed in the management of the state's water resources, that is, to be more sustainable and holistic, including reducing non-revenue water, which reached 53.7 per cent last year.
Sultan Muhammad V expressed his sadness that the issue of syariah crime was taken lightly and played by a few members of the community.
"I hope the state government views it seriously and strives to strengthen and defend the Syariah Criminal Code to eradicate and prevent the spread of syariah crimes."
His Royal Highness expressed appreciation to the leadership of the previous government for its role in driving the state's progress and congratulated the new
leadership for the 15th term,
led by Menteri Besar Datuk
Mohd Nassuruddin Daud. Bernama