Malaysia Considers Rural Road Projects for Sabah, Sarawak in 2027 Budget

Malaysia is evaluating proposals for new rural road construction in Sabah and Sarawak, with potential inclusion in the 2027 national budget. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamid, who also serves as the Minister of Rural Development (KKDW), stated that the construction of rural roads remains a key responsibility of his ministry.

However, he emphasized that the implementation of any new infrastructure projects will be contingent upon adherence to the regulations and procedures set forth by the Ministry of Finance and the Public Works Department (JKR). "If there is no connectivity, then we will include any such request in the 2027 Budget," Ahmad Zahid told reporters. The KKDW will finalize these proposals after consultations with relevant parties are completed.

In addition to infrastructure development, the ministry is committed to enhancing the use of e-commerce platforms to assist rural entrepreneurs in marketing their products internationally, aligning with the Malaysian Digital Plan. Ahmad Zahid noted that the KKDW already has an e-commerce program that facilitates online transactions, and this initiative will be expanded to broaden the marketing reach for rural entrepreneurs.

The ministry is also focusing on developing skills in emerging fields. Training in artificial intelligence (AI) has commenced at Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) and MARA Vocational and Technical Education and Training (TVET) institutions. The program is being extended to cover high-value areas such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and robotics. This effort is supported by collaborations with industry partners to improve the employability of KKDW's TVET graduates, who currently boast a 99.5% employment rate, with many receiving job offers before graduation.