Budget 2023: Govt to embark on RM1.2bil 'giant project' to fix dilapidated schools, clinics

PETALING JAYA: Repairing dilapidated schools and clinics nationwide will be the government's "giant project" this year with RM1.2bil allocated for the purpose, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The amount has been earmarked for 400 clinics and 380 schools which are in a current state of disrepair, with a view to getting the repair works done by the end of this year.

"Even after 60 years of Merdeka, people today still have to face the issue of schools and clinics in disrepair. I don't want these things to continue.

"This year, we will begin the 'giant project' of repairing 400 clinics under the Health Ministry and 380 schools under the Education Ministry, to which RM1.2bil has been allocated," he said when tabling the revised Budget 2023 in Parliament on Friday (Feb 24).

Meanwhile, RM2.7bil has been set aside to maintain and upgrade federal roads while another RM1.5bil is provided to upgrade and build new rural roads.

RM300mil allocation for small infrastructure works for G1 to G4 contractors has also been provided.

"The issue of increasing road accidents needs to be addressed immediately. Especially if they are caused by the weaknesses of the government's procedures in solving road safety issues," said Anwar.

"With this view, the government has provided RM100,000 for each district for pothole repairs and other works related to road repairs," said Anwar.

He also said RM50mil has been allotted for the immediate installation of street lights, especially in accident-prone areas.

The Malaysian Road Record Information System (Marris) grant has meanwhile been increased to RM5.2bil.

"The Federal Government has also given flexibility including allowing the use of MARRIS to repair and replace damaged roads, bridges and drains due to disasters," he said.

In the initial Budget 2023 announced by then finance minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz on Oct 7, RM11.4bil had been set aside for the repair and maintenance of assets including federal roads.