KUALA LUMPUR, April 18 — The government will pour an additional quarter billion ringgit for road repair works that would be exclusively contracted to small Bumiputera contractors, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said in a special announcement this evening.
The additional spending will add to the RM750 million already budgeted for the repair and maintenance work earmarked under Budget 2023, the Pakatan Harapan chairman said in a live television broadcast ahead of the weekend’s Aidilfitri celebrations.
“This morning I chaired the 2023 National Financial Council Meeting. The federal government understands the importance and necessity of a scaled maintenance work for federal roads so they are safe and comfortable for public use,” he said.
“This refers specifically to potholes which are among contributors to road accidents.”
In the same announcement, Anwar said his government has secured special discounts for raw ingredients to be used by restaurant operators and stall owners who take part in its affordable meals programme for low-income earners.
“The government with the cooperation of selected supermarkets have agreed to offer raw ingredients like poultry, onions and essential food items for the use of Menu Rahmah at a special discounted rate,” he said.
