PETALING JAYA: With proper infrastructure and facilities, Kelantan has the ability to attract foreign direct investments, says Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
The former prime minister said the Kelantanese had proven their skills and efficiency in doing business.
"Kelantan is a state of traders. Many people are involved in trading with a majority in small industries.
"They have proven to be efficient business people and are willing to take risks," he said.
Dr Mahathir pointed out that there are not many foreign factories in the state except for the ROHM-Wako Electronics from Japan.
"It was initially in Selangor and moved to Kota Baru in 1989," he said.
He was full of praise for the state and its people in a Facebook post, saying Kelantan has the workforce but many locals have moved to the Klang Valley, which provides more career opportunities.
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Dr Mahathir, the adviser of the newly-formed State Government 4 (SG4) was in Kelantan to meet with its Mentri Besar Datuk Mohd Nasuruddin Daud and state leaders on Friday (Oct 6).
"As part of the SG4 programme, I was to discuss with the Mentri Besar and the state leaders on Kelantan’s development.
"The discussion revolved around increasing investment, using land as capital and finding solutions to a clean water supply
"I am of the opinion that if the state has better facilities such as good roads, proper supply of power and water, it will be able to attract investors," he said.
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During his trip to the east coast state, Tun Dr Mahathir said he also dropped by at an eatery selling Kelantanese famous mixed-rice dish, nasi berlauk.
He said apart from supplying the delicacy to the locals, the trader also supplies the food to customers in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.
"One of the famous nasi berlauk is Kak Chik's from Tumpat. After the meeting with the MB, I watched the process of how the dish was cooked, wrapped and distributed.
"The cooks told me they start at 3am to prepare 10,000 sets of meals. Some are sold at their shop and some are sent to the Klang Valley by air or land transport," he added.
The SG4 is the official grouping of four Perikatan Nasional-ruled states - namely Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis - with an aim to develop these states last month.
