{
  "id": 17569798,
  "title": "Zahid: Rural and Regional Development Ministry aims to clear RM259.5m in project arrears by year-end",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/01/zahid-rural-and-regional-development-ministry-aims-to-clear-rm259-5m",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-01T09:12:22.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/11/01/zahid-rural-and-regional-development-ministry-aims-to-clear-rm2595m-in-project-arrears-by-year-end/241603"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Deputy Prime Minister and Rural and Regional Development Minister, Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, expressed optimism that outstanding payments for projects under his ministry can be resolved by the end of the year. Speaking at a press conference following the 2026 Deepavali Santunan Kasih event at the Bagan Datuk Umno Hall, Ahmad Zahid emphasized the ministry's commitment to settling unpaid payments, including progress payments to contractors and suppliers. The deputy prime minister clarified that he has previously addressed this issue in Parliament and during a response from the Finance Minister. He conveyed his hope that the matter can be resolved amicably, as reported by Bernama on November 1. The outstanding payments total approximately RM259.5 million as of September 30, involving 112 projects, according to a report on October 30 claiming delays in interim payments to contractors and compensation to landowners.",
  "summary": "BAGAN DATUK, Nov 1 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi hopes that outstanding payments for pr...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Zahid hopes govt can settle RM259.5mil in outstanding rural project payments",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/01/zahid-hopes-govt-can-settle-rm259-5mil-in-outstanding-rural-project",
        "published": "2026-11-01T07:23:21.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}