Kuala Lumpur, August 28, 2025 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim firmly rejected allegations that his administration prioritises development in only certain states, affirming that the Madani government continues to allocate resources based on need and strategic planning across Malaysia. His remarks came during Question Time at the Dewan Rakyat, where he addressed critics pointing to high-profile projects like the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone and the Penang LRT Mutiara Line as examples of uneven federal focus.
Anwar underscored that every state has seen rising Federal Development Expenditure (FDE) from 2022 to 2025. Sabah’s allocations, for instance, climbed from RM5.2 billion to RM6.7 billion, while Sarawak’s rose from RM4.7 billion to RM5.9 billion. States in Peninsular Malaysia also benefited: Kelantan’s FDE increased from RM2.4 billion to RM3.2 billion, Terengganu from RM1.4 billion to RM1.8 billion, Kedah from RM1.6 billion to RM2.2 billion, and Perlis from RM400 million to RM600 million.
He highlighted flagship infrastructure schemes spanning the nation. In East Malaysia, the Pan-Borneo Highway is supported by RM15.9 billion, while the Sabah–Sarawak Link Road carries nearly RM10 billion in funding. On the peninsula, the multi-billion-ringgit East Coast Rail Link and Central Spine Road projects are transforming connectivity across Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and Selangor.
Anwar also addressed concerns about water management and disaster resilience. He revealed over RM25 billion has been dedicated to flood mitigation projects, with roughly RM9 billion assigned specifically to Kelantan, Pahang, and Terengganu. Water infrastructure too received attention, including multi-state projects such as the Jeniang Water Transfer Scheme and the Chuping Valley development in Perlis.
Responding to the criticism that mega-projects reflect partiality, Anwar insisted that federal allocation decisions are based on necessity and regional needs, not political advantage. He stressed that close collaboration with state leaders ensures their priorities inform national planning. An advance version of Budget 2026 is expected to reflect this inclusive approach, with state leaders having already submitted their proposals for consideration.
