KUALA LUMPUR: A total of RM6.1mil was spent to hold the Malaysia Madani Aidilfitri open houses in Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu, says Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.
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The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah, Sarawak Affairs and Special Functions) said the open houses, which were attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, were handled by the Project Acceleration and Coordination Unit (Pacu).
In a Parliamentary written reply, he said that the Malaysia Madani open house in Kedah cost RM3.1mil, while the ones in Kelantaan and Terengganu cost RM1.5mil and RM1.5mil, respectively.
“The total expenditure covers all expenses including venue preparation, logistics, and expenses to provide refreshments to the public,” explained Armizan.
He was responding to a question from Datuk Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang) who asked the government to state the full cost of holding the Malaysia Madani open houses hosted by the prime minister including the logistics aspects involving ministries and government machinery in all six states namely Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Penang, Kedah, Kelantan and Terenggany between April 29 and May 14.
Armizan said that the open house in Kedah had attracted a total of 25,000 people, while in Kelantan and Terengganu, a total of 15,000 people had attended each one.
He pointed out that last year’s Hari Raya Aildilfitri open house held in Seri Perdana, cost RM11mil with an attendance of 70,000 people, showing that the Malaysia Madani open houses provided more space for leaders to meet and interact with people at various locations.
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“The hosting of the Malaysia Madani open house also receive the cooperation from ministries, departments and state governments
“This allows for a reduction in costs, especially in terms of human resources and logistical requirements,” he said.
The open houses also provide an opportunity for small traders to generate economic activities such as service and food provider throughout the event.
“It will also bring economic impact to hotel operators, transportation providers, and other related businesses,” he said.
– The Star