PONTIAN: 2026 will be a crucial year to ensure the swift implementation of small projects, particularly those directly impacting rural communities in districts, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said the government had intensified efforts in 2026 to ensure minor infrastructure and community-based projects are carried out efficiently and without delay.
“There must be a major movement to ensure small projects are implemented successfully. These projects may not attract headlines, but they are meaningful to the people,” he added.
Anwar said this in his speech during the groundbreaking ceremony of Pontian Hospital's additional building in conjunction with Madani carnival held at Dataran Pontian here on Sunday (Feb 15).
He said that while major national policies are important for long-term growth, the people are more concerned about improvements that affect their daily lives.
“People are happy to hear big announcements, but they are even happier when drains are repaired, village roads are fixed and basic facilities are improved,” he said.
On project implementation, Anwar said stricter monitoring of contractors and costs would be enforced to prevent leakages and wastage.
“If we can save even RM50mil from inflated costs, that money can be channelled to mosques, schools and other community needs,” he said.
He also called for fast-track mechanisms to expedite approvals for public projects while maintaining proper oversight.
Anwar said eradicating hardcore poverty remains a key priority for his administration, noting that it would be a disservice for a country with Malaysia’s capabilities to allow such conditions to persist.
“We are in an era where the rich are becoming richer while the poor are increasingly squeezed. That is why I am determined to ensure we put an end to hardcore poverty.
“When we speak about hardcore poverty, some may say it is not important. But for me, development must mean eradicating poverty. It may take time, but we cannot ignore it,” he said.
He said the government has stepped up efforts to identify and assist hardcore poor families at the district level, emphasising the importance of leaders going to the ground.
“We cannot govern from above alone. We must go to the districts, ask about the poor and see for ourselves the problems faced by the rakyat,” he added.
Touching on healthcare, Anwar acknowledged the burden faced by rural residents who may have to travel long distances to seek treatment.
“Some villagers have to travel 40km to reach a hospital, and the costs involved can be heavy. These are realities we must address,” he said.
He added that although private healthcare charges are often high, public healthcare services must remain affordable and accessible.
Anwar also pointed out that Malaysia had recorded its highest economic growth in a decade, but cautioned that economic gains must translate into meaningful improvements in people’s lives.
