KUALA LUMPUR: The RM2.1bil difference between the original allocation and actual expenditure for the Rural Road Programme (JALB) from 2023 to 2025 does not indicate missing funds or misappropriation, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Rural and Regional Development Minister said the discrepancy arose when actual expenditure of RM6.108bil was compared with the original allocation of RM3.982bil without taking into account the revised allocation.
“For the record, from 2023 to 2025, JALB’s original allocation totalled about RM3.982bil. Following adjustments, the revised allocation stood at RM6.143bil, while actual expenditure amounted to RM6.108bil.
“However, compared with the revised allocation, actual expenditure remained below the amount available, leaving a balance of about RM34.3mil.
“Where did the RM2.1bil figure come from? It was derived by subtracting the original allocation of RM3.982bil from actual expenditure of RM6.108bil, without taking the revised allocation into account,” he said during the ministry’s winding-up session on Budget 2027 in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Oct 26).
Ahmad Zahid said the allocation was revised to meet project payment needs, including when work progressed faster than expected or outstanding claims for earlier projects had to be settled.
He stressed that every adjustment was subject to government approval and financial procedures.
“A minister’s directive alone does not allow money to be spent immediately. Government approvals and financial procedures must still be complied with,” he said.
The process involved the ministry’s controlling officer, the Economy Ministry, the Finance Ministry and the Accountant General’s Department of Malaysia, according to their respective jurisdictions.
Approvals and adjustments were recorded in government systems, including MyProjek and iGFMAS, while payments were processed based on claims and work verification by implementing agencies such as the Public Works Department (JKR) and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS).
