Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor (main image) recently said Kedah was the “poorest state” in the country as the previous federal governments made it the nation’s rice bowl.
As menteri besar, he should know that land and its resultant use is a state matter. In other words, it is the state that decides on these matters.
At one time, Penang Island and Seberang Perai were rice-producing areas. In Selangor, Sekinchan and Tanjung Karang were also rice bowls. Paddy was also widely planted in Melaka.
The scenario changed over the years. Urbanisation and strategies by the state governments to develop these states saw Penang Island and the mainland adopt industrialisation policies as they offered more value and multiplier effects, including creating jobs and generating more wealth for the state.
The situation was similar in Selangor, where much agricultural land obtained industrial, housing and commercial status.
Melaka focused on tourism and the service sector.
Is Kedah not putting in place strategies that will help it develop?
Barisan Nasional targeted industrial development when it ruled the state. This includes areas in Sungai Petani and Kulim.
Since 2010, paddy farming land in Alor Setar has been converted into housing and other use, including domestic and industry. The state’s structure plan can address the matter.
There must be a plan to develop policies and strategies to advance the state and create jobs to create wealth. It must generate sectors that have greater multiplier and accelerator effects.
If land use is a hindrance, there is a need to review local authorities’ plans, as there are many ways to tackle development.
Southern Kedah’s proximity to Penang is an advantage. Land there is cheaper than in Penang. Labour is plenty. It is the same situation to the north, where it borders Thailand.
There is also a failure realising that the free market is the answer rather than giving out land to tycoons.
Paddy farmers should receive better prices from Padiberas Nasional Berhad (Bernas) as it should not profit from poor farmers.
A free market rather than a monopoly will also help create acceleration and multiplier effects in the rice industry.
Development should not be politicised. The Kedah government has the capacity to introduce new policies to develop the state if it is serious about moving forward.
This is the personal opinion of the writer and does not necessarily represent the views of Twentytwo13.
