THE government fully supports the campaign to list Masjid Kampung Laut Mosque a national monument with the National Heritage Department, and a Unesco world heritage site, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said.

Ismail, in a Facebook post yesterday, described the move as significant.

“I am very happy, because after more than 50 years, the desire of the people of Kelantan to bring back the old Masjid Kampung Laut (to its place of origin) has become a reality.

“The government has also spent RM40 million on the Kampung Laut redevelopment project, which consists of the Serunding and art heritage sites, and the relocation of the mosque,” he said.

Masjid Kampung Laut – the oldest in Malaysia and built 400 years ago – was brought back to its original location along with original components such as the tower structure and pulpit, 50 years after it was relocated to Nilam Puri, due to floods.

Meanwhile, Ismail said the government was committed to the Palekbang Bridge construction project to connect Kota Baru with Tumpat, scheduled to begin at the end of this year, saying that it would likely solve traffic congestion in the area.

He added that the 4km-long bridge would also be the main catalyst for Kelantan as an investment and tourism destination, apart from improving the socioeconomic status of the local population.

“This is the ongoing commitment of the federal government to ensure a balanced development enjoyed by the people of Kelantan,” he said. – Bernama, September 10, 2022.