ALOR STAR: An opposition assemblyman today voiced doubts about the progress of several high-impact projects in Kedah, which were touted as economic catalysts.
Adam Loh Wei Chai (PH-Bakar Arang) told the state legislative assembly today that the projects heavily promoted by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor were key drivers for achieving The Greater Kedah vision.
During the session, he asked about the current status of the projects, among others, the Kulim International Airport (KXP), the Sidam Logistics, Aerospace and Manufacturing Hub (SLAM), the Kedah Rubber City (KRC), and the Northern Corridor Highway (NCH).
"Previously, the state government announced a collaboration between the Kedah State Development Corporation (PKNK), through its subsidiary KXP AirportCity Holdings Sdn Bhd and Tahira Air Sdn Bhd, to initiate the first phase of the Kedah Aerotropolis development.
"What has happened to that memorandum of understanding (MoU), and what is the status of the RM2.5 billion that the company was reportedly set to deposit?
"The same applies to KRC, which was promoted as a catalyst for The Greater Kedah. "When I visited the area two months ago, all I saw was the Syarikat Air Darul Aman (Sada) building on a hill, while the rest of the area remains empty.
"Are there investors who are genuinely interested in this project, or will it remain another paper-based plan?
"To this day, we still lack detailed information on the NCH, including when construction will begin or what has caused delays in its implementation," he said while debating the 2025 Kedah Budget today.
Loh also questioned the absence of announcements regarding high-impact projects in the recently tabled state budget, raising further doubts about whether previous initiatives remain on track or were merely empty promises.
He further criticised the state government, accusing it of being quick to take credit for positive news, but shirking responsibility when challenges arise.
He said the menteri besar previously claimed that the Langkasuka project was in its first phase of implementation.
"However, when the Bin Zayed International Group of Companies (BZI) withdrew its investment, he said it had nothing to do with the state government, instead describing it as a private initiative between Widad Business Group and BZI.
"Similarly, in the Kedah Darul Aman FC (KDA FC) issue, when salary arrears became a problem, the state government responded by saying it was a private club.
"The same attitude applies to the racing circuit issue, where blame was shifted to other parties," he said.
Loh said such situations raise questions about whether the state government has lost its direction or focus in implementing major projects.