Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak promised billions of ringgit worth of projects in Malacca after receiving strong support from thousands who attended an event there.

Among others is a request by Malacca chief minister Idris Haron ( photo ) for RM1.1 billion for a coastal highway project in the state.

Although it is not approved yet, Najib said he will have the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) to look at it and believed that his new deputy Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will fully support the project as well.

"I wanted to say that I will bring up this proposal to the cabinet meeting after it is scrutinised by the EPU. I see a lot of potential and the whole coastal highway project will succeed," he said.

Najib who was there for the Aidilfitri solidarity gathering which saw tens of thousands of people gather round to hear his speech and try their luck in winning prizes such as cars and motorcycles at the lucky draw event.

RM180m for Malacca river project

Najib who dropped his old deputy Muhyiddin Yassin ( photo ) last week was visibly happy with the strong show of support given by the people of Malacca.

He said Idris had promised to gather a crowd of 50,000 people, but  felt the total must be more.

"When I saw the crowd, as far as the eyes can see, it was more than fifty thousand people. So, I declare that the CM has fulfilled his KPI (key performance index) entirely.

"Not only in terms of numbers. But in terms of quality and fiery spirit of the people of Malacca. It was obvious when my wife and I arrived at this event," said Najib.

He also approved RM180 million in additional funds for the Malacca river project and a project to lengthen the runway of the Malacca international airport.

Najib said this is in line with the special approval from the cabinet for Malacca, which will be a twin state with Guandong, China.

"I believe that the agreement (between Malacca and Guandong) will be finalised in the near future. Guandong will be a Malacca trading partner.

He said after the Malacca international airport was upgraded,  planes from Guangdong can land at the airport.  

"No use of calling it an international airport if only two or three of your own planes are running," he said.

Najib also promised that the new high speed train will stop at Malacca as well, bringing more opportunities for development.