THE Federal government will apportion over RM400 million from the RM5 billion annual Malaysian Road Records Information System (MARRIS) allocation to Pahang to ensure roads in the state are restored to good condition, said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. 

He said potholes on federal roads may lead to accidents and that it was among issues raised by Pahang Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail at the National Finance Meeting in Putrajaya this morning. 

Anwar also explained that part of the total allocation for regular maintenance of federal roads, which has been increased to RM1 billion from the RM750 million announced in the 2023 Budget, was also earmarked for Pahang. 

“In the past, state roads were in bad condition and federal roads were good. Now, with the MARRIS allocation, the state roads are good, and the federal roads have potholes here and there. I have increased the allocation (for maintenance of federal roads) to RM1 billion to fix the roads immediately.” 

Anwar said the increase in the federal road maintenance allocation to RM1 billion was possible because the country’s revenue soared after “high-income earners” started to pay tax to the Inland Revenue Board (IRB). 

“This is because I told IRB that I don’t care what rank they are, whether you’re Tun or Datuk Seri, if you don’t pay tax, action will be taken and if the revenue increases, we can announce projects for the people,” he said. 

In this regard, the prime minister said the federal administration gave flexibility to the Pahang government to use the MARRIS allocation to repair public facilities damaged by floods. This could include the purchase of modular steel panel bridges or Bailey bridges. 

This was in recognition of the fact that Pahang is constantly hit by natural disasters, causing much damage to public facilities. 

Anwar said that projects to meet the people’s needs – particularly the rehabilitation of dilapidated schools, clinics, and quarters for government employees – would be given priority. 

He added that dependence on consultant services should be reduced because he trusted the abilities of civil servants to handle projects. – Bernama, April 18, 2023.