ALOR STAR: Datuk Mahfuz Omar has reminded the Perikatan Nasional (PN) state government to focus on completing projects that are behind schedule in Kedah before 'dreaming' of developing a Light Rapid Transit (LRT) system in Langkawi.

The Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) vice-president said while there is nothing wrong with having a LRT service, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor should focus on completing the upgrading projects of five Water Treatment Plants (WTP) and the motorcycle racing circuit first.

"I think there is nothing wrong with dreaming but make sure the racing circuit is completed first.

"Water supply is a necessity for consumption and shower. What's the point of having a LRT system but the people are not getting a shower before boarding the train, the whole coach would stink," he told reporters at his Aidilfitri open house in Jalan Langgar here today.

Mahfuz, who is also the state Pakatan Harapan chairman added while it was harmless for Sanusi to have a dream but the people are wise enough to know that he is just a Menteri Besar who is "good at announcing projects but not producing results".

He said Sanusi should focus on resolving water supply woes in Kedah, adding there's no pressing need for Langkawi to have a LRT system.

"How far is one end to another in Langkawi? Instead we should allow those providing rental transport in Langkawi to continue earning a living, that should be the priority," he added.

Yesterday, the state-owned Permodalan Kedah Bhd (PKB) entered a pact with South Korea's Royal Eco Train Development (RETD) to study the development of a LRT system in the Kedah's tourism jewel of Langkawi.

State Industry and Investment, Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Committee chairman Dr Haim Hilman Abdullah was reported as saying that RTED would take between three to six months to study the project's technical, geography and economic impact on locals.

Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) inked between PKB, RETD and Qplex - the South Korean company's strategic partner in Malaysia - the study would also include the development of innovative stations designed within the principles of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD).

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/04/1044612/langkawi-lrt-complete-projects-behind-schedule-first-mahfuz-tells-sanusi