LPT3 construction will be given priority compared to other mega projects

KUALA LUMPUR: The government will give priority to the construction of the East Coast Expressway Phase 3 (LPT3) project compared to other mega projects for the convenience of residents in Terengganu and Kelantan, said Deputy Works Minister Mohd Anuar Mohd Tahir.
He said, however, any decisions to implement the 147-km highway project from Kampung Gemuroh, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu to Pengkalan Kubor, Kelantan would also take into consideration the government's financial position.
"I would like to emphasise that the ministry and government will pay serious attention to this issue (LPT3 construction) and I appreciate the efforts of the elected representatives (YB) from Terengganu and Kelantan who are championing this issue.
"I cannot deny that we have to take over the job of the previous government, I hope if the fiscal and financial situation improves in the near future, this issue will be given priority, not other mega projects," he said during the oral question-and-answer session at the Dewan Negara sitting today.
He was replying to a supplementary question from Senator Engku Naimah Engku Taib who wanted to know the status of the LPT3 project apart from hoping that the government could proceed with it.
Mohd Anuar said his ministry would discuss and get advice from other federal ministries and agencies such as the Finance Ministry, Economic Affairs Ministry and Attorney-General Chambers before making any further decisions on the project.
Based on the feasibility study on the LPT3 project that was completed in 2009, three districts in Terengganu would be involved in the project, namely Kuala Terengganu, Setiu and Besut while in Kelantan the five districts are Pasir Puteh, Bachok, Pasir Mas, Kota Bharu and Tumpat, he added. — Bernama