World · Malaysia Bureau
Road project suspension in Sabah, Sarawak not cancellation, minister says
The federal minister responsible for Sabah and Sarawak affairs has dismissed claims that a pause in approvals for new projects signals a broader policy reversal. The minister clarified that the suspension of fresh Letters of Approval represents an administrative measure, not a cancellation of existing initiatives.
LSN Malaysia ·
The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department overseeing Sabah and Sarawak affairs has pushed back against suggestions that recently suspended road projects have been scrapped, saying the pause in issuing new Letters of Approval does not equate to project cancellations. The clarification comes as concerns mount over infrastructure delays affecting the two East Malaysian states. The minister stated that the temporary halt on fresh approvals should not be interpreted as a reversal of the government's commitment to road development in Sabah and Sarawak. Officials indicated that the suspension was a procedural measure aimed at streamlining project management and improving approval processes. The minister's comments suggest that previously greenlit projects remain on track despite the current freeze on new applications for Letters of Approval. Stakeholders in both states have expressed concern over the impact of delayed approvals on regional economic development and connectivity initiatives.