PETALING JAYA: Kelantan has the ability to attract foreign direct investments with the right facilities and business-savvy people, said former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
The adviser to Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis – four state governments under Perikatan Nasional collectively called the SG4 – said this after meeting Kelantan Mentri Besar Datuk Mohd Nasuruddin Daud and the senior state leadership yesterday.
“Kelantan is a state of traders. Many are involved in trading and the majority are small industries.
“There are not many foreign factories here except for the ROHM-Wako Electronics from Japan, which was initially in Selangor and moved to Kota Baru in 1989.
“On Friday, as part of the SG4 programme, I was in Kelantan to meet and discuss with the Mentri Besar and the state leaders on the state’s development.
“The discussion revolved around increasing investment, using land as capital as well as finding solutions to a clean water supply.
“I am of the opinion that if the state can provide basic facilities such as good roads, proper supply of power and water, it will be able to attract investors.
“The Kelantanese themselves can provide the workforce as many have now migrated to the Klang Valley in search of jobs in various industries,” Dr Mahathir wrote on Facebook yesterday.
He also said that he visited a local “nasi berlauk” trader who sells his dishes from Kelantan to Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.
Nasi berlauk is a Kelantanese rice-based dish that is a staple during breakfast or lunch.
“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 road.
“The Kelantanese have proven that they are efficient business people and are willing to take risks,” said Dr Mahathir.
