KKR Applies For Higher District Engineer Allocation In Budget 2027

JITRA, Sept 6 (Bernama) – The Ministry of Works (KKR) has requested that the special allocation for each district engineer of the Public Works Department (JKR) be increased from RM200,000 to RM300,000 per annum in Budget 2027.

Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said the 50 per cent increase is crucial to enable JKR to respond more swiftly to public complaints, while prioritising road safety. 

He said the special allocation, introduced in 2024, allows district engineers to carry out immediate repairs without going through the standard procurement procedures, which take considerably longer.

"Among the issues that can be addressed with this allocation are road markings, drains, tree trimming, road fixtures, traffic lights, and dilapidated signboards.

"If an accident occurs and a signboard or guardrail is damaged, we can repair it immediately," he told reporters after a working visit to the JKR Kubang Pasu District Engineer's Office here today.

Ahmad said the request has been submitted to the Ministry of Finance through the Budget 2027 dialogue, and he remains hopeful that it will receive due consideration. 

He said the allocation is particularly important given rising maintenance costs, as well as the ageing condition of road fixtures that require repair and repainting.

In a related matter, Ahmad voiced his hope that the Ministry of Works will once again receive the highest funding among all 28 ministries in Budget 2027, to enable a wide range of public infrastructure projects to move forward.

He said the ministry received RM9.6 billion in development allocation this year, covering road and building construction, maintenance works, as well as slope and bridge repairs and construction.

— BERNAMA