Speaking during Pahang’s Aspirasi Jelajah Keluarga Malaysia programme in Kuantan, Ismail highlighted the various benefits contained in the 2023 budget for Pahang residents, with the key among them the RM1.307 billion allocated to upgrade and maintain federal roads in the state.
“This will simultaneously open up new areas and boost economic growth as well as improve the living standards of local residents,” he said.
He said the government is also committed to implementing the Central Spine Road (CSR) package along Kuala Krai, Kelantan, to Bentong. A 350km toll-free journey, the road is set to cost RM8.7 billion and is expected to be completed in 2026.
Ismail added that RM572.8 million has been allocated for projects to build and upgrade bridges and overpasses in Pahang, with RM6.07 million set aside for a pilot project to control soil erosion and silting in Cameron Highlands.
He also said that the rural development ministry has allocated RM3.32 billion for 101 development projects in Pahang, of which 39 were new projects.
In the education sector in Pahang, RM754 million has been set aside for 40 new projects, and the extension of schools and other educational institutions.
In healthcare, two clinics are being built in Raub and Bera at a cost of RM40 million. They are expected to be completed next year.
The incumbent Bera MP noted how the East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) has successfully attracted RM5.3 billion worth of investments to Pahang, which will create more than 3,300 new job opportunities in the state.
Economic recovery on right track
Ismail added that his government’s effective administration has seen the country overcome various challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic, global geopolitical crisis, and climate change, which has impacted the food supply chain.
“Today, the economy is the best in Southeast Asia, with gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 8.9% in the second quarter this year, compared with 5% in the first quarter,” he said.
“The unemployment rate in August was 3.7%, which is much lower than the 4.6% recorded in August last year.
“The inflation rate also decreased from 4.7% in August to 4.5% in September, which is lower than other countries.”
Touching on the Aspirasi Jelajah Keluarga Malaysia tour, Ismail said Pahang would be the last stop before the Nov 19 general election.
“God willing, if given the opportunity to lead the government again, then the programme will be continued after the polls,” he added.