Anwar denies development favouritism, says all states receive support

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has dismissed suggestions that economic development is uneven or that states such as Penang and Johor are prioritised for mega projects over others.

He said certain projects are prioritised in line with the Madani Economy Framework, New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030), and the National Semiconductor Strategy, including initiatives like the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).

“But this does not mean other states are neglected,” he told the Dewan Rakyat during Prime Minister’s Question Time on Thursday (Aug 28).

Sabah saw a significant increase in development expenditure (DE), rising from RM5.2bil in 2022 to RM6.7bil in 2025.

Sarawak’s DE rose from RM4.7bil to RM5.9bil, Terengganu from RM1.4bil to RM1.8bil, Kelantan from RM2.4bil to RM3.2bil, Kedah from RM1.6bil to RM2.2bil, and Perlis from RM400mil to RM600mil.

“In the Madani government, these states are not neglected—in fact, they receive higher allocations. For Sabah and Sarawak, the highway development package is huge: Pan-Borneo costs RM15.9bil, and the Sabah-Sarawak Link Road costs nearly RM10bil,” he said.

“The ECRL, linking Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan and part of Selangor, costs RM74.96bil. This does not include the Central Spine Road, which links Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan and costs RM6.38bil.”

“This needs to be said to counter claims of neglect. When we present the figures, they are often ignored and the old narrative persists,” he added.

Flood mitigation projects nationwide, costing over RM25bil, are largely concentrated in Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu, with the three states accounting for nearly RM9bil.

“This is not about favouritism, but necessity,” he said, also citing projects like the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) and water projects.

Anwar said he has visited states to hear their views, and that Mentri Besar and chief ministers have submitted their proposals for what is required.

He then said that one or two proposals will be fulfilled and announced under Budget 2026.