ALOR STAR: Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has responded to criticism regarding stalled private sector projects in Kedah, saying that the state government's funding remains untouched.
Stressing that he had not wasted a single cent of the state government's funding, he said that the progress of private sector initiatives was contingent upon the respective companies' business decisions and is unrelated to the Kedah administration's actions.
Using the Widad Langkasuka development project in Langkawi as an example, he clarified that it was a private sector investment and its progress is subject to market conditions.
"The company decided to expand its business here (in Kedah) and it was launched by the then former prime minister.
"It is a private investment. It is not within our purview if these projects have not materialised yet," he said during a press conference after chairing the state executive council meeting at Wisma Darulaman.
Sanusi noted that while the Widad Langkasuka project faced delays in obtaining planning approval due to its scale, work on the first phase had commenced.
Addressing criticism of stalled projects, he countered, "I think he is blind. If he visits Langkawi, he can see that the project is ongoing."
Acknowledging challenges faced by private sector initiatives like the racing track in Langkawi, Sanusi affirmed that they were still in progress, albeit at a slower pace.
Highlighting the state government's upcoming plans, Sanusi announced the launch of the Visit Kedah Year 2025 campaign next month.
He said the campaign would focus on attracting foreign travellers, especially from the Middle East, besides local visitors.
He added that while Langkawi was still the main gateway to Kedah, efforts would be made to attract travellers to also visit tourism hotspots on the mainland.