KUALA LUMPUR: An opposition member of Parliament today has called on the government to explain the implementation status of development projects under the 2026 Budget, as only 32.6 per cent have reached the post-implementation stage while more than 60 per cent remain at the pre-implementation or implementation stages.
Kota Baru MP Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said the breakdown was necessary to assess the government's efficiency in delivering development projects funded by public money.
Takiyuddin, when debating the Supply Bill 2027, said the 2026 Budget allocated RM81 billion for development expenditure, accounting for 17.2 per cent of the total RM470 billion budget.
"Of the total, only 3,120 projects, or 32.6 per cent, had reached the post-implementation stage, while 6,265 projects, representing more than 60 per cent, remained at the pre-implementation or implementation stages," he said in Dewan Rakyat.
Takiyuddin called on the government to disclose the number of projects that had been fully completed, those still under implementation and those at the design and procurement stages.
He also sought details on the number of projects granted extensions of time, classified as sick projects or deemed at risk of missing their scheduled completion dates.
He further questioned the effectiveness of the government's early warning systems in detecting delays and enabling corrective action to be taken promptly.
On the country's fiscal position, Takiyuddin questioned the government's spending performance despite federal revenue increasing to RM336 billion.
He said the government continued to record a fiscal deficit of RM75.288 billion, equivalent to 3.7 per cent of gross domestic product.
Federal debt had also risen to RM1.321 trillion, while outstanding receivables stood at RM120.102 billion and other financial commitments and liabilities totalled RM332.378 billion, he said.
"What is the actual expenditure performance under the 2026 Budget by ministries, including those recording the lowest spending rates.
"What control mechanisms are in place to ensure every ringgit spent delivers added value to the people, and to determine whether project delays stem from weaknesses in planning or contract management.
"A large budget will only have an impact if every ringgit is spent efficiently and prudently," he said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd