Anwar calls for urgent action on stalled infrastructure projects to benefit communities

PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has insisted that his criticism of delayed or “sick” infrastructure projects is justified and aimed squarely at safeguarding the interests of the people.

In a statement posted on Facebook, he emphasised that Malaysians expect improvements to be delivered promptly rather than presented with a litany of excuses.

“When I officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for the additional building at Pontian Hospital, my remarks regarding any slow or ‘sick’ infrastructure projects were well-founded because the people expect improvements to benefit them and not to be met with a thousand and one excuses,” he said.

He stressed that projects which are delayed or languishing must be expedited without over-reliance on deadline extensions, which ultimately burden both the public and the government.

“Relevant authorities must be more proactive, including improving implementation methods, selecting contractors with genuine capability, and tightening monitoring from time to time,” he said.

Speaking at the same event, Anwar underscored that the expansion of Pontian Hospital aligns with the MADANI Government’s commitment to accelerate basic infrastructure development at the district level, ensuring that health facilities are accessible, efficient, and serve communities without delay.

He has directed that the project be classified as a ‘fast-track’ initiative under the coordination of the Ministry of Health to ensure smooth implementation and timely completion.

“Insya-Allah, this is among the continuous efforts of the Government to strengthen the national health system and ensure that medical services are more comfortable and competitive for the people,” he said.

Earlier, the Prime Minister also called for the expedited implementation of small-scale projects in all districts nationwide, arguing that local concerns must be prioritised alongside national megaprojects.

“People may welcome announcements of mega projects that are important for the country, but they are more pleased when drains are repaired, when potholed roads are patched, when damaged surau are fixed, and when we listen to the people’s grievances.

“This is my priority. Beginning January 2026, we will dedicate a full year to a movement to ensure small projects are implemented promptly,” he said.

Anwar stressed that all district officers must submit reports on local projects to prevent delays during execution.

“The problem is that sometimes there are many projects, but implementation is slow due to technical issues, and these problems are left unresolved for too long. That is why I go down to the districts to see which projects are stalled and to take immediate action to understand why they are delayed,” he said.

He also highlighted measures taken by the Public Works Department to ensure that health and other development projects are monitored closely, including strict contractor selection and oversight to prevent mismanagement or wastage.

“No leakages, no wastage, and ensure that the tender process is carried out properly so that it truly benefits the people. In the Madani Government, I do not compromise — as long as we are entrusted, we must administer the state cleanly and efficiently for the benefit of the people,” he added.

At the event, which included Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan, and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Anwar approved an immediate allocation of RM2 million for the provision of basic facilities and a surau in Pontian district.

The Prime Minister’s remarks underscore the MADANI Government’s focus on practical, community-focused infrastructure development, ensuring that both national ambitions and district-level needs are addressed with equal urgency. - February 16, 2026