‘We Need RM4B, Only Got RM2B’: Ahmad Maslan Explains Why Highways & Potholes Stay Dark And Damaged

Photo for illustration purposes only. (Photo: Ipoh Echo)

If you've ever felt like bad road conditions are a direct threat to your safety, the government's own numbers just proved you right. According to official Works Ministry data, 13% of road accidents in Malaysia are caused by poor road conditions, from unlit highway stretches to dangerous road surface hazards. 

But despite the risk, Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan admitted that fixing them isn't as simple as making a phone call: the ministry is currently facing a staggering RM2 billion budget shortfall for national road maintenance.

Seeking Emergency Funds From The Second Finance Minister

Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan (Photo: The Star)

To address the severe funding gap, Ahmad Maslan announced that he would join Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi and senior ministry officials in a direct meeting with the Second Finance Minister to plead for an additional allocation.

"We need RM4 billion, but we only received RM2 billion. This afternoon we will ask for more," Ahmad Maslan told reporters yesterday.

He emphasized that the entirety of the allocated RM2 billion is already being spent on immediate maintenance work, leaving zero reserves in the ministry's coffers due to the sheer volume of repairs required across the country.

How The Squeezed Budget Is Being Prioritised

With only 50% of the required budget available, the Works Ministry has been forced to make tough calls on which roads get fixed first. According to Ahmad Maslan, priority is strictly given to "accident black spots", locations with statistically high collision rates, and routes requiring critical structural intervention.

The maintenance work currently being funded includes:

• Road Resurfacing
• Road Furniture Maintenance
• Street Illumination

Addressing complaints regarding unlit highways, Ahmad Maslan shared that while the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) received 3,000 new streetlights this year, the actual requirement across national highways is far higher. "We cannot light up the entire highway... the need is greater than that, but that is what we received," he admitted.

13% Of Accidents Are Caused By Road Conditions

While drivers often take the blame for mishaps, official figures highlight the critical role infrastructure plays in road safety. Ahmad Maslan noted that poor road conditions account for roughly 13% of road accidents in Malaysia.

By comparison, 81% of accidents are attributed to human negligence, while 7% are caused by vehicle faults.

Despite human error being the leading factor, the ministry maintains that adequate road maintenance is essential to prevent avoidable fatalities, safeguard motorcyclists, who are most vulnerable to potholes, and extend the operational lifespan of Malaysia's transport infrastructure.

Source: NST