14 publishers · first seen Thu, 29 Oct 2026 13:30 UTC · updated Sun, 01 Nov 2026 02:13 UTC
Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's Ministry of Rural and Regional Development has allocated more funds to rural road projects than its approved budget, drawing money from other agencies and projects. Second Finance Minister Amir Hamza Azizan stated that while initial allocations were RM1.09 billion in 2023, RM1.32 billion in 2024, and RM1.57 billion in 2025, actual commitments rose to RM1.85 billion, RM2.02 billion, and RM2.27 billion respectively by redirecting funds.
This reallocation caused delays in payments to contractors, leaving RM1.05 billion in outstanding dues by the end of 2025, prompting the Finance Ministry to approve an additional RM500 million from savings in other ministries' development spending. Amir Hamza denied reports that projects were cancelled, clarifying that only new road contracts were paused until arrears are settled. Agencies affected include Kemas, Mara, Risda, Perda, Ketengah, Kesedar, and Kejora.
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