Kuala Terengganu - Kuala Terengganu was declared a city, the 12th in the country, by Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh in a glittering ceremony at Dataran Shahbandar here tonight.
Following the declaration, the local authority is now known as the Kuala Terengganu City Council (MBKT).
At the historic event, Idris symbolically placed a giant keris (Malay dagger) into its sheath and then read the declaration of Kuala Terengganu as Heritage Waterfront City.
The drizzle failed to dampen the spirits of the crowd of more than 30,000 who came to watch the colourful ceremony.
Also present were Kuala Terengganu`s first Datuk Bandar (Mayor) Datuk Mat Razali Kassim, Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun and state executive councillors.
With the declaration, Idris simultaneously launched Visit Terengganu Year 2008 themed on the preservation of the natural environment as the state`s heritage.
The city declaration was also accompanied by the launching of the MBKT logo, a float procession, cultural performances and a fireworks display.
Tonight`s programme began with the screening of a video clip on Kuala Terengganu`s development before the declaration was read.
In his speech, Idris said Kuala Terengganu got its city status because of its rapid economic, social and infrastructural development, besides it being the state`s administrative centre.
He thanked the federal government for recognising Kuala Terengganu as Heritage Waterfront City and the first city on the peninsula`s east coast.
This morning, the Regent of Terengganu Tengku Muhammad Ismail Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin handed over the city declaration letter and the appointment letter of the Kuala Terengganu Mayor at Istana Maziah here.
Source: www.bernama.com.my (3 Januari 2008)
