Poor road conditions among issues to be addressed in Budget 2023, says Ahmad Maslan

Photo: Bernama

IPOH: The poor condition of roads in Perak is among the issues to be addressed in the upcoming Budget 2023, says Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.

The Deputy Finance Minister said the same matter was also being raised by other states.

“Based on the dialogue session with the Perak government, agencies, associations and private companies, road conditions in the state is the main issue we need to address.

“The roads along Gerik-Jeli in Kelantan, Simpang Pulai-Blue Valley and Tapah-Ringlet, both in Pahang, are among those that need to be repaired,” he said after attending the session at the Perak secretariat building here on Thursday (Feb 9).

On Wednesday (Feb 8), Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the state government has requested RM3bil for healthcare and the upgrading of roads.

Ahmad said apart from road maintenance, several representatives have also asked about housing issues for the Orang Asli community.

“Back in 2022, the government allocated a total of RM1.5bil for building houses.

“A total of 11,000 People's Housing Project (PPR) units, 3,000 units of Syarikat Perumahan Negara Berhad People-Friendly Homes and more were constructed.

“There was some balance from the allocation which I think can be used for the Orang Asli. We hope to be able to do more for the community,” he said, adding that Perak is the last state for the dialogue session after Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Penang and Johor.