KUALA TERENGGANU – The Terengganu state government was taken to task for the non-delivery of several agricultural projects to the tune of RM100 million at Tasik Kenyir.
Bukit Payong PAS assemblyman Mohd Nor Hamzah asked how the projects, involving the setting up of ten orchards and botanical gardens, ended up being abandoned or failing to take-off successfully.
“These projects were supposed to have been completed over three phases by 2015.
“But I am told that the RM8.6 million bird park has been abandoned, the orchid farm of similar value is missing, and there is no news of the RM7.6 million tropical farm.
“And what about the RM2 million rambutan orchard? How many and what types of fruits have been produced, and where is it, anyway?,” he asked when presenting a motion of thanks to the royal address by the Sultan of Terengganu, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin.
The ruler had opened the state assembly at Wisma Darul Iman on Monday.
Mohd Nor also took to task the state government over the supposed RM2 million red-coloured heliconia decorative plants.
“There is also no news of the botanical gardens and the cost involved. What about the RM3 million vineyard? What species of grapes and how much was produced?
“Were the grapes sold in Terenganu from this farm?” he asked, adding that he also had no clue of the RM2 million cactus farm.
Mohd Nor said these were the few failed projects that he was aware of in Tasik Kenyir but what of those that he had no knowledge of?
“Such a large sum of money could have be channelled for more deserving community projects. The people are in dire straits of numerous amenities.
“For instance, I had repeatedly highlighted in the state assembly on the lack of adequate traffic lights at junctions like that of Pasar Kedai Buloh and Simpang Tikam Batu.
“But no action has been taken,” he said.
Meanwhile, Wakaf Mempelam PAS assemblyman Mohamad Abdul Wahid Endut queried as to what was being done to curb illegal logging activities in the state which has led to huge losses in revenue.
In response, Seberang Takir Umno assemblyman and Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman said the Forestry Department had scored may arrests and seizures over time.
Razif added that the department was constantly keeping an eye on the situation by taking proactive actions to curtail illegal logging.
“I assure you that the department conducts surprise checks on its own, apart from tip-offs, to preserve forest reserves from being raped by these unscrupulous people,” said Razif. -source NST
