Anwar minta MOF, KKDW bincang baik-baik isu peruntukan jalan

Perdana Menteri Anwar Ibrahim has requested the two ministries, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) and the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), to discuss the issue of budget allocation for rural road projects. In an interview after his Friday prayers at Masjid Bukit Indah in Ampang, Anwar stated that he has requested the two ministries to have a thorough discussion on the matter and find a solution to ensure the planned projects can continue.

The disagreement arose after KKDW Minister Zahid Hamidi claimed that payments to contractors for rural development projects have been delayed, leading to cash flow issues and missed deadlines for contractors who have completed their work and reached certain milestones. In response, Perwakilan Director of the Treasury Johan Mahmood Merican said that the delay is due to the ministry's consistent practice of spending more than the annual budget allocated for rural road projects since 2023.

However, his statement was disputed by Treasury Deputy Fadzmel Fadzil, who said it is impossible for the ministry to spend more than the approved annual budget for rural road projects given the funding request submitted to the Perwakilan and processed through the Putrajaya financial management system. This comment was then criticized by Treasury Director Tunku Nashrul Abaidah, who asked him to verify the fact.