The Kelantan government will proceed with the stillborn Kota Baru-Kuala Krai highway in view of Putrajaya dragging its feet on the matter.

In a statement today, state exco member Husam Musa said a tender was called for the project on Jan 2 and closed on Feb 9. Five bids were received.

The state technical and finance committee will be evaluating the bids on Feb 11 to make an preliminary assessment.

Husam said that the 73km highway was mooted by the federal government under the Fifth Malaysia Plan (1986-1990) but no works were undertaken.

For the Ninth Malaysia Plan (2006 -2010), the highway was approved again and a developer was appointed but there had been hitherto no works done.

"In view of the necessity for this highway for Kelantan's development and the comfort of road users especially during festive seasons, the Kelantan government have decided to proceed with the construction of the highway through a state initiative," said Husam.

Husam said the highway is estimated to cost between RM1.5 billion to RM1.8 billion. Husam is the state exco member in charge of economic planning and finance.

Kelantan had long accused the federal government of ignoring the state's economy since PAS took reigns of the state in 1990.