The Kelantan government has created 13 deputy state executive councillor posts to ease the workload of state executive councillors.

Menteri Besar Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat said 13 assemblymen were

appointed to the new posts effective Jan 1.

He said the newly-appointed deputy state executive councillors were not only responsible for state administration but also for the welfare of the people in their constituencies.

"I hope the appointment of the deputy excos will help improve the efficiency of the state's administration and services to the people," he told reporters after the swearing-in ceremony of the deputy state executive councillors in Kota Baharu today.

State secretary Mohd Aiseri Alias was present.

Nik Abdul Aziz said three executive councillors would have two deputies each due to the large scope of their portfolio.

They are State Planning, Economics, Finance and Welfare Committee chairperson Husam Musa; State Islamic Development, Education and Dakwah Committee chairperson Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah; and State Local Government, Culture and Tourism Committee chairperson Takiyuddin Hassan.

Seven other state executive councillors will have only one deputy each.

- Bernama