The Economic Development Council of the East Coast Region (ECERDC) proposed to the Finance Ministry to broaden its focus to include the growth aspects of the Terengganu Islands in the Budget for 2021.

Its chief executive officer Baidzawi Che Mat said it will help to preserve the natural resources of the islands by building and improving supporting infrastructures such as jetty, sidewalks, public facilities, and solid waste management.

He said that it will also boost industry, as domestic tourism in the islands is expected to increase the pandemic after COVID-19 and to curb marine biodiversity risks.

“Other measures, including the improvement of tourism facilities and incentives to local businesses, need to be given serious consideration for implementation to attract more tourists,” he said in a statement

ECERDC announced these issues at an engagement session held in Kampung Budaya, in the state Museum of Terengganu, in preparation of the 2021 budget, where tourism, oil, gas, and petrochemicals (OGP) players were also involved in the 2021 Budget, along with finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Abdul Aziz.

The report also stated that, with the Economic Area of the East Coast (ECER), ECERDC has also developed the iconic Terengganu landmark, Kuala Terengganu City Centre (KTCC), and ecotourism sites in Kenyir Lake and Setiu Wetlands, apart from emphasizing the infrastructure development of famous island destinations such as Pulau Perhentian and Pulau Lang Tengah.

ECERDC also introduced new government programs, including the upstream sector within the ECER activities and increased participation of local companies in vendor programs. 

“ECERDC also proposes new areas of focus, particularly specialty chemicals, to boost growth and attract high value-added downstream investments,” it said.

It added that the council will continue to work with federal and state governments’ industry players in driving investment and socio-economic growth in the region.