KOTA BARU, Dec 17 — The federal government has allocated RM2 billion to develop Kelantan next year and to rebut allegations that the state was often discriminated against or denied development.

Kelantan Federal Development Department (JPP) director Datuk Makhtar Mustapha said JPP would focus on projects under the 10th Malaysia Plan.

“Among them is the construction of the one kilometre Sungai Durian Bridge in Kuala Krai at a cost of RM16 million which will start next year,” he told reporters after opening a dialogue between public relations officers from federal departments, agencies in Kelantan, the Kelantan Broadcasting Department and Kelantan JPP, here today.

The Sungai Durian Bridge is a major route connecting Kota Baru and Gua Musang which is often submerged by floods during the monsoon season.

Meanwhile, Makhtar said the public relations officers must play their role more actively by channelling numerous information connected to developments implemented for the people.

“The task of public relation officers is to inform the public about the work and projects implemented to prevent the federal government from being accused of discrimination against Kelantan,” he said.

He said weaknesses connected to the channelling of information to the mass media in every federal government agency would be rectified and empowered by next year.

“Our intention is to convince the people about the effort of the federal leaders in implementing numerous development projects in the state. Kelantan is given priority in development,” he added. — Bernama