THE Ministry of Works (KKR) requires an estimated RM4 billion annually to properly maintain federal roads nationwide, but continues to receive only about 30 per cent of that amount in each annual budget, according to its minister, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
Speaking on the ‘BH Borak Harini’ podcast in a discussion titled ‘Salah jalan atau salah orang punca ramai mati di jalan’, Nanta acknowledged the ministry's ongoing challenges in ensuring that roads under its purview remain safe and serviceable.
“We always apply for more allocation to improve road maintenance. We really push for it because road upkeep requires RM4 billion a year,” he said.
“But usually, we receive only 30 per cent or even less of that in the annual budget. If possible, we hope this gap can be narrowed because we need more funds for this purpose.”
For 2025, the Ministry of Works has been allocated RM10.35 billion—a nine per cent increase from RM9.511 billion in 2024. However, Nanta stressed that the RM4 billion needed is specifically for federal road maintenance and reconstruction, particularly as many roads are ageing and deteriorating beyond minor repairs.
He noted that maintenance costs are no longer limited to patching potholes or minor upgrades but increasingly involve more extensive works due to the age and condition of the infrastructure.
The shortfall in funding has raised concerns about long-term road safety and the effectiveness of public infrastructure, particularly in rural and high-traffic areas.
Nanta's remarks underscore a growing need for prioritised investment in basic infrastructure to meet increasing demands, especially as vehicle numbers and road usage continue to rise across the country. - August 4, 2025
