Kelantan’s Regent welcomes federal-state collaboration on key projects like the upgraded Sultan Ismail Petra Airport and the upcoming Kota Bharu Sentral hub
KOTA BHARU: The Regent of Kelantan, Tengku Muhammad Fakhry Petra, has expressed appreciation for the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen the national economy. He stated these initiatives have brought tangible benefits to the state.
“I would like to convey my highest appreciation and gratitude to the federal government, especially the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, for the strategic collaboration with the state government,” he said in a royal address. He credited this collaboration for the successful implementation of various development projects.
The Regent welcomed the completion of the upgraded Sultan Ismail Petra Airport. He expressed hope that federal-state cooperation would continue through projects like the integrated Kota Bharu Sentral and East Coast Rail Link hub.
He described the planned transit hub as a modern catalyst for economic growth. The airport’s new terminal was officiated by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim last Saturday.
The facility is positioned as a potential regional hub for areas including southern Thailand. It features over 20 check-in counters and a cashless operating system.
The airport’s capacity is now expected to rise to four million passengers annually. This is an increase from its previous capacity of 1.5 million passengers.
The terminal has been expanded from 12,000 to 36,000 square metres. A redesigned layout separates departure and arrival areas to ease congestion.
Aircraft parking bays have increased to 11 from five previously available. Parking capacity has also been expanded to about 1,300 spaces from just 350.
These upgrades are expected to significantly improve passenger flow. This improvement is particularly important during peak travel periods like Aidilfitri.
The Regent noted that infrastructure in Kelantan still requires further improvement. He called for continued federal involvement in planning and implementation to keep pace with other states.
“Comprehensive infrastructure development will serve as a catalyst for further growth and future development planning,” he said. He emphasised the importance of ongoing collaboration for the state’s progress.
