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 raised concerns about the federal government's allocation of funds for transport infrastructure in Penang, while Sabah continues to grapple with road maintenance issues and delays in the Pan Borneo Highway project. Mustaman Mustain, the Information Chief of PAS Sabah, stated that despite Penang receiving over RM21 billion in transport project approvals, including the Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT), airport expansion, port development, and pier construction, Sabah still faces challenges in basic transport infrastructure.

Mustaman noted that the federal government allocated RM341.7 million for federal road maintenance in Sabah in 2025, covering approximately 1,536.949km of federal roads. However, he raised questions about whether this allocation is adequate for a state with a vast road network, difficult terrain, and a dispersed population. The 2026 allocation for Sabah's road maintenance stands at RM200 million, set to cover 178 works comprising pavement and non-pavement projects.

Despite this increase from the RM50 million allocated in 2025, Mustaman questioned whether it is sufficient to meet Sabah's actual needs. He also highlighted that RM1.67 billion has been allocated for the Sabah portion of the Pan Borneo Highway in 2026, yet the project remains incomplete. Mustaman emphasized that infrastructure effectiveness should be measured by outcomes such as the number of roads repaired, projects completed, and the time taken to deliver safe and comprehensive transport facilities.

He urged the federal government to ensure that Sabah, as a vital part of the Federation, receives infrastructure development proportional to its contribution and position within the country.