Tuan Ibrahim questions bigger allocation for Penang

PARLIAMENT | A Perikatan Nasional lawmaker has questioned the balance of national development, claiming that more focus has been given to Penang.

Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (PN-Kubang Kerian) raised the issue by pointing out that Penang received RM16.8 billion in funding for a light rail transit (LRT) project, while efforts to complete the East Coast Expressway have been sidelined.

According to Tuan Ibrahim, studies have shown that the Penang LRT project was not an urgent necessity.

“The government is spending RM16.8 billion on the Penang LRT project. I’m not questioning the government’s right to allocate funds, but when we compare, RM16.8 billion is a huge amount - and the study showed that the LRT in Penang isn’t a pressing need.

“The East Coast Expressway at this juncture only reaches Terengganu. When will it reach Kelantan? The amount should have been used to complete unfinished projects that are a real priority for the people,” he said during the Budget 2026 debate in the Dewan Rakyat today.

On Oct 10, the Penang government expressed gratitude to Putrajaya following the announcement of several key projects and initiatives for the state in Budget 2026, tabled by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that nearly half of Penang’s proposed priority projects under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) - submitted to Anwar during an engagement session on March 18 - were included in the current budget.

Commenting on allocations for Sabah, Tuan Ibrahim welcomed the amount but suggested it may have been a “sweetener” ahead of the upcoming state election.

“The imbalance in development is quite clear - too much focus is given to Penang. As for Sabah, we thank the government; no problem there. Perhaps because there’s a state election coming, the people will benefit after that,” he added.

Reporting by Haspaizi Zain, Qistina Nadia Dzulqarnain, Zarrah Morden

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