Works Ministry eyes bigger Budget 2027 allocation for development and maintenance

The Works Ministry in Malaysia aims to secure the largest development budget allocation in Budget 2027, according to Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan. The ministry is currently collecting input from its agencies, including the Malaysian Highway Authority, Construction Industry Development Board and Public Works Department, to prepare for the upcoming budget meeting with Finance Minister II on August 28.

Ahmad revealed that the ministry sought a higher allocation for its development projects, having received around RM10 billion in the previous budget, with RM9 billion dedicated to development. Additionally, the ministry is focusing on advancing smart highway technology through digital tools, artificial intelligence, closed-circuit television, smart lanes and the TuJu navigation application.

TuJu, developed by the Malaysian Highway Authority, provides highway-specific information such as CCTV feeds, toll rates, rest and recreation areas, emergency assistance and traffic updates, and is currently linked with the KKR and MYJalan applications. Ahmad urged highway users to utilize TuJu for real-time traffic information to make informed travel choices.

The implementation of Multi Lane Free Flow, which allows toll collection without vehicle stops at toll plazas, is still in the proof-of-concept stage and will be introduced through B2B contracts between concessionaires.