Politics · Malaysia Bureau
PAS queries RM21b Penang transport funding amid Sabah infrastructure gaps
An opposition lawmaker in Sabah has challenged the federal government's funding priorities, questioning why the peninsula is receiving substantially more for transport infrastructure while East Malaysia awaits completion of major road projects.
LSN Malaysia ·
KOTA KINABALU — Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) has raised concerns about the allocation of RM21 billion for transport development in Penang, arguing that similar investments have not materialised for Sabah's pressing infrastructure needs.
The party's representative in Sabah highlighted the disparity in federal funding between the two regions, pointing to incomplete projects such as the Pan-Borneo Highway as evidence of unequal development priorities.
The criticism reflects broader frustrations among East Malaysian lawmakers over infrastructure spending, with concerns that peninsula-based states continue to receive disproportionate budget allocations relative to Sabah and Sarawak.
The issue underscores ongoing debates about regional development equity in Malaysia, particularly regarding major infrastructure commitments that have experienced delays or incomplete funding arrangements.
Putrajaya has not immediately responded to the queries regarding the funding disparity and timeline for completing outstanding East Malaysian infrastructure projects.