ALOR STAR: The Kedah government is hopeful that the development of people's housing schemes and an annual allocation of RM200 million to maintain padi fields will be included in the 2025 Budget .
Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said these were the top priorities in the state's "wish list" submitted to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on May 4.
"It is understood that the development of people's housing schemes will cost around RM70 million.
"We have submitted Kedah's wish list and we hope it will be met," he said at a press conference after the Tabung Wanita Sejahtera presentation ceremony at Dewan Seri Mentaloon today.
On May 4, Sanusi presented Kedah's requests to Anwar during a meeting.
Anwar immediately approved funding for Kedah to build infrastructure for the people's housing schemes.
The federal government will cover the cost of building infrastructure such as drainage systems and roads across 1,200 land lots in each district.
Sanusi also said he hoped there would be no delay on the RM200 million for the maintenance of padi fields.
"Kedah is losing revenue in ensuring national food security. We aren't converting padi fields for commercial or residential use, we're preserving them as food production areas. That's why we're requesting for RM200 million.
"If we were to develop areas included in the district development plan, we could potentially collect an additional RM200 million in land taxes. Therefore, we're asking the federal government to consider this," he added.
Sanusi also hoped that the development of Kulim International Airport will be included in the budget, along with allocations for upgrading water treatment plants.
"I also hope the planned underground water storage in Langkawi is included.
"The five-season padi cultivation plan over two years must also be part of the budget. Previously, RM3 billion was promised, which was then raised to RM5 billion. Perhaps some of that allocation can be released, if not all at once," he added.