Why RM21b for Penang transport while Sabah still waits on roads, Pan Borneo? PAS rep asks Putrajaya

KOTA KINABALU, Sept 27 — The Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) in Sabah has questioned the federal government's priority in allocating more than RM21 billion for transport projects in Penang, while Sabah continues to grapple with road maintenance needs and delays on the Pan Borneo Highway. Information Chief Mustaman Mustain highlighted the discrepancy, urging the federal government to clarify its priorities.

Sabah is not seeking special treatment, but rather development justice, Mustaman emphasized. According to a Sinar Harian report, Penang has seen approval of over RM21 billion in transport projects, including the RM16.8 billion Penang Light Rail Transit, RM1.55 billion expansion of the airport, RM2.2 billion for the port, and RM500 million for Swettenham Pier.

PAS Sabah did not dispute Penang's right to development but questioned why Sabahans continue to face challenges in basic transport infrastructure. In 2025, the federal government allocated RM341.7 million for federal road maintenance in Sabah, covering 1,536.949km of federal roads. For 2026, RM200 million has been allocated for 178 federal road maintenance works, comprising 74 periodic pavement works and 104 non-pavement works.

Mustaman expressed concern that while the allocation has increased from RM50 million in 2025, it may still be insufficient to meet the state's needs due to its extensive road network, challenging terrain, and dispersed population. The effectiveness of infrastructure development should be assessed based on outcomes such as the number of roads repaired, projects completed, and time taken to deliver safe and comprehensive transport infrastructure.

Sabah must be treated as an equal partner in the Federation deserving infrastructure development proportional to its contribution and position within the country. Mustaman also urged the federal government to translate its Malaysia Madani and development-gap reduction agenda into tangible outcomes, emphasizing that Sabahans are eager to see concrete results.