KUALA LUMPUR: Requests for the construction of new rural roads in Sabah and Sarawak that still lack access to major towns will be considered for inclusion in Budget 2027, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Zahid, who is also the rural and regional development minister, said the ministry has stipulated that rural road construction remains under its purview to connect remote areas with major towns and existing settlements.
"If there is no connectivity, we will include those requests in Budget 2027," he told reporters after attending the ministry's 2025 Excellent Service and Appreciation Awards ceremony here today.
Zahid, however, said the implementation of these new infrastructure projects remains subject to the regulations and procedures set by the Ministry of Finance and the Public Works Department (PWD).
He said the ministry would flesh out the details of the proposals once the consultation process with relevant parties is completed.
Earlier in his speech, Zahid called on the ministry to adopt a "new discipline" by halting programmes that do not impact the people and accelerating effective initiatives.
He said this approach is vital to ensure that every policy, expenditure, and decision benefits the rural community.
"What succeeds, we must expand. What is slow, we must accelerate. What fails to deliver an impact, we must improve or stop. This is the new discipline I want within the ministry," he said.
He said rural development is no longer just about building infrastructure, but must instead create an ecosystem that generates income and employment opportunities.
He added that public service reform is not merely a transition from manual to digital systems, but must begin with a shift in mindset, the courage to make decisions, and a readiness to change.
He also urged ministry staff to practice lifelong learning, to innovate, and to maintain integrity and accountability in every action. - NST
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