Anwar tells Rural Development Ministry and MOF to find middle ground in funding row

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 4 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today called on the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) and the Ministry of Finance (MOF) to resolve issues concerning allocations, including delayed payments to contractors, through discussions.

“Let us discuss this amicably. I have asked both ministries to resolve this properly,” he said briefly when asked to comment on the matter.

He was speaking to reporters after performing Friday prayers at Masjid Bukit Indah, Ampang Jaya, here today.

On Thursday, Treasury secretary-general Tan Sri Johan Mahmood Merican said there were no restrictions on KKDW allocations for rural road projects, with the full allocation for the projects having already been channelled.

He said constraints in the payment process to contractors were due to the current year’s allocation having been almost fully utilised.

The issue arose following a statement by Deputy Prime Minister and Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi regarding problems faced by contractors following delays in payments for projects under his ministry. — Bernama