Post by : Minna

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed that no state in Malaysia is being sidelined in the government’s development plans. Speaking during the Prime Minister’s Question Time in Parliament, he stressed that federal allocations and projects are determined based on the specific needs and priorities of each state, not political affiliations.

Anwar addressed claims that some states were being neglected in infrastructure and development projects. He presented detailed figures and examples of federal allocations across the country, showing that billions of ringgit have been invested in various states, including those governed by opposition parties.

“This does not mean that other states are neglected. In fact, under the Madani government, allocations have been increased based on the needs of each state,” Anwar told members of the Dewan Rakyat.

He was responding to a question raised by Jelebu MP Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias, who asked whether the federal government was focusing development only on certain states. Jalaluddin cited specific projects, such as the E-ART in Johor and the LRT Mutiara Line in Penang, as examples of perceived unequal development.

Rising Allocations for All States

To address concerns of neglect, Anwar provided a detailed breakdown of federal development expenditure, showing that allocations to states have consistently increased from 2022 to 2025. Some notable increases include:

• Sabah: From RM5.2 billion to RM6.7 billion

• Sarawak: From RM4.7 billion to RM5.9 billion

• Kelantan: From RM2.4 billion to RM3.2 billion

• Terengganu: From RM1.4 billion to RM1.8 billion

• Kedah: From RM1.6 billion to RM2.2 billion

• Perlis: From RM400 million to RM600 million

Anwar also highlighted that the federal government actively consults with state governments, including Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, and Perlis, to ensure that state-specific priorities are included in national planning.

“Development priorities differ at the state and federal levels. I guarantee that the priorities chosen by the states will be accepted, and this will be announced in the upcoming Budget 2026,” he said.

Major Infrastructure Projects Nationwide

Anwar emphasized that the government is implementing a wide range of major infrastructure projects across Malaysia, not just in Johor or Penang. These projects aim to boost connectivity, enhance public services, and improve living standards for all Malaysians.

East Malaysia

• Pan Borneo Highway: Federal funding of RM15.9 billion has been allocated for the Sabah portion of this key highway, ensuring improved connectivity across East Malaysia.

• Sabah-Sarawak Link Road (SSLR): Approved at a cost of nearly RM10 billion, this project will strengthen transport links between the two states.

• Cancer Centre in Sarawak: A new RM1 billion cancer treatment facility will be built, enhancing healthcare services in the region.

East Coast of the Peninsula

• East Coast Rail Link (ECRL): A total of RM74.96 billion has been allocated for this major rail project, which will connect Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang to the national rail network.

• Central Spine Road (CSR): The RM6.38 billion road project will provide an alternative route to the East Coast, improving travel times and logistics for the region.

Northern Corridor

• Kedah: The RM700 million Sidam Industrial and Logistics Hub, along with the RM922 million Jeniang Water Transfer Scheme, will enhance industrial capacity and water infrastructure.

• Perlis: RM723 million has been allocated for the development of the Chuping Valley area, along with RM300 million to upgrade the Timah Tasoh Dam.

Flood Mitigation and Water Supply

• Nationwide, RM25.08 billion has been allocated for flood mitigation projects, including RM8.84 billion specifically for Kelantan, Pahang, and Terengganu, which are prone to seasonal flooding.

• Water supply projects worth over RM1 billion each are being implemented for Kedah and Kelantan through loans from Pengurusan Aset Air Berhad (PAAB), ensuring better access to clean water for residents.

“These figures demonstrate that no state is being ignored. The government is committed to ensuring balanced development across all regions of the country,” Anwar said.

Commitment to Balanced Growth

Anwar stressed that Malaysia’s development strategy is not about favoring one state over another. Instead, it focuses on ensuring that all states receive the support and resources they need to grow and develop. He assured that the federal government will continue collaborating with state governments to align local priorities with national projects, aiming to deliver benefits to all Malaysians.

Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia development, federal allocations