By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 12: The Works Ministry (KKR) is seeking additional funding in the upcoming national budget to step up repair and maintenance works on roads across the country, as the current allocation is insufficient to meet present needs, especially for restoring damaged roads.
According to a TVS news report, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said KKR’s studies found that the allocation received previously was inadequate to cover ongoing requirements.
He stressed that the increased allocation would not only be used for federal roads but also for other roads nationwide.
“This matter must be given serious attention so that recovery efforts can be implemented more comprehensively,” he told reporters after chairing the KKR Budget 2026 Dialogue Session with construction industry players in Kuala Lumpur today.
Also present were KKR Secretary-General Datuk Seri Azman Ibrahim and Deputy Director-General of Public Works (Specialist Sector) Datuk Azman Md Hashim.
On another note, Nanta reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to assist industry players, particularly contractors in the G1 to G4 categories, who have been affected by rising construction material costs.
He said KKR is currently reviewing possible measures to ease the burden of these groups.
“This matter is also being considered. In fact, we will review and examine how we can help them in this budget.
“I hope it will be taken into account, but the final decision lies with the Ministry of Finance (MoF),” he said.
The session today served as an important platform for obtaining proposals and direct feedback from industry stakeholders to ensure that Budget 2026 will be holistic and responsive to the needs of the construction sector.
On Aug 8, national media reported that the government will table Budget 2026 in Parliament on Oct 10, following an announcement by the MoF.
Budget 2026 will be the fourth in a series of Madani budgets aimed at realising the vision of the Madani Economy, which focuses on restoring fiscal resilience, strengthening the nation’s economic foundations, and uplifting the dignity and livelihoods of the people.
As with previous Madani budgets, it will focus on three key pillars: raising the ceiling of national growth, lifting the floor of living standards, and driving reforms, particularly in governance. It will also be the first budget under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) 2026–2030. — DayakDaily
