Terengganu plans to build a new bridge connecting Kampung Tanjung in Kuala Terengganu and Seberang Takir that will shorten the journey to the Sultan Mahmud international airport as well as to the higher education centre and sports complex located north of here.

Menteri Besar Ahmad Said said the retractable bridge would cost about RM100 million.

"We have the allocation ready but we shall wait for the green light from the prime minister," he said when closing the inter-local government sports meet in Kuala Terengganu last night.

NONE The bridge would be a catalyst for the Kuala Terengganu City Centre (KTCC), construction of which would start next year, he said adding that it would also ease congestions at the main Sultan Mahmud bridge as well as at the Manir bridge.

Meanwhile, Ahmad said that from next year, there would be more beautification projects around the state capital including the installation of decorative lights along the Terengganu river and at the Pulau Warisan, a new tourist attraction here.

Works to deepen the Terengganu river would also start to allow tourist boats to ply the river up to Batu Bersurat in Hulu Terengganu.

"We have ordered two cruise ships from Thailand for the river cruise operation, capable of taking 200 people at a time, expected to be delivered next year," he said.

- Bernama