Politics · Malaysia Bureau
Sabah and Sarawak receive half of rural road spending, PM adviser says
The prime minister's senior political adviser has dismissed suggestions that East Malaysia's two largest states have been neglected in infrastructure development. According to Tengku Zafrul, Sabah and Sarawak together account for approximately half of the country's annual rural road expenditure.
LSN Malaysia ·
Tengku Zafrul, who serves as a senior political adviser to the prime minister, stressed that both Sabah and Sarawak have maintained their priority status in the government's rural road development initiatives. The allocation underscores the federal government's commitment to improving connectivity across the nation's most remote communities.
Rural road infrastructure remains a critical development priority, particularly in East Malaysia where geographic challenges and dispersed population centers make connectivity initiatives resource-intensive. The substantial allocation to Sabah and Sarawak reflects recognition of these unique infrastructural demands.
The statement appears aimed at addressing periodic concerns from the two states regarding their share of national development spending. Tengku Zafrul's remarks emphasize that rural road projects—essential for economic development and community access to services—represent a significant investment in the region.
The focus on rural road networks aligns with broader government efforts to enhance infrastructure across Malaysia, particularly in areas where transportation connectivity directly impacts livelihood opportunities and service delivery.