The government is setting aside RM13 billion under Budget 2026 to upgrade and expand road networks across Malaysia from federal and state highways to rural and village roads with a focus on improving accessibility, safety, and connectivity, especially for rural and Orang Asli communities.
“The government has provided RM2.5 billion for the maintenance of federal roads, including resurfacing potholes, installing street lights in high-risk areas, and replacing damaged street furniture,” Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said when tabling the Budget in Parliament on Friday.
Of that amount, RM700 million will go to G1–G4 class contractors to support small and medium local businesses, while another RM2.4 billion is reserved specifically for Bumiputera contractors.
An additional RM5.6 billion will be channelled through the Malaysian Road Records Information System (MARRIS) for state governments to maintain and repair state roads nationwide.
To speed up small-scale works, RM30 million will be allocated to strengthen the role of district engineers especially for issues reported via the MyJalan app.
The Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) will also install 3,000 LED streetlights at accident-prone spots to improve visibility and safety.
Another RM2.5 billion will go towards building and repairing village and rural roads, including key connections in Pahang, Perak, and Terengganu.
“We are not only repairing roads, we are connecting communities. Whether in the heart of Kuala Lumpur or deep in Lipis and Hulu Perak, every Malaysian deserves access to safe, reliable roads,” said Anwar.
He added that RM155 million will be used to improve roads in Orang Asli villages, while RM90 million will fund new bridges and village street lighting projects including energy-efficient and solar-powered lamps.
“We want rural Malaysia to be just as connected and well-lit as our cities,” The Prime Minister concluded.
