Kubang pasu: The Ministry of Works (KKR) has requested that the special allocation for each district engineer of the Public Works Department (JKR) be increased from RM200,000 to RM300,000 per annum in Budget 2027. Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan emphasized the necessity of this 50 percent increase to enable JKR to address public complaints more swiftly, with a focus on road safety.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the special allocation, which was introduced in 2024, allows district engineers to perform immediate repairs without adhering to the standard procurement procedures, which are more time-consuming. Ahmad highlighted that this allocation could address issues such as road markings, drains, tree trimming, road fixtures, traffic lights, and dilapidated signboards. He noted that in the event of an accident where infrastructure like signboards or guardrails is damaged, immediate repairs could be facilitated.

Ahmad mentioned that the request for increased allocation has been submitted to the Ministry of Finance through the Budget 2027 dialogue. He expressed optimism that the request would be given due consideration, citing the importance of the allocation in light of rising maintenance costs and the ageing condition of road fixtures that need repair and repainting.

Additionally, Ahmad expressed his hope that the Ministry of Works will again receive the highest funding among all 28 ministries in Budget 2027. This, he stated, is crucial to advance a range of public infrastructure projects. He noted that the ministry received RM9.6 billion in development allocation this year, which covers road and building construction, maintenance works, as well as slope and bridge repairs and construction.