Public Works Ministry spends entire RM2b road maintenance allocation, to seek more funds

The Malaysian Works Ministry has exhausted its RM2 billion budget for road maintenance and is seeking additional funds, Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan announced today. However, Ahmad revealed that the ministry requires approximately RM4 billion annually to conduct more extensive repairs. During a press conference at the CIDB Northern Region Contractor Convention 2026, Ahmad stated that the ministry, its senior officials, and the Works Minister would meet with Finance Minister II to discuss increased funding for road maintenance.

The ministry prioritizes accident-prone areas, or accident hotspots, as they have limited resources to address all road maintenance needs nationwide. "We understand that we cannot achieve everything we need," Ahmad remarked, "but we prioritize hotspots and locations where accidents frequently occur, maintaining them properly, either through resurfacing, road furniture maintenance, or lighting."

Ahmad highlighted that while the Malaysian Highway Authority had received 3,000 new highway lights this year, illuminating the entire highway network was impossible. He emphasized that the majority of accidents were caused by human negligence, accounting for 81 percent of incidents, while road maintenance accounted for only 13 percent. Vehicle-related accidents, which represent 7 percent of incidents, could stem from brake failure, poor vehicle maintenance, or a lack of replacement parts.

To address congestion, Ahmad mentioned the Tuju application, developed locally by the ministry through the Malaysian Highway Authority. Tuju provides users with live traffic information, navigation services, toll rates, service areas, emergency contacts, and the most efficient route to their destination. The application also features MyJalan, allowing users to report damaged roads, and has real-time access to thousands of highway authority closed-circuit television cameras.