KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 — The Ministry of Works (KKR) is seeking a higher allocation in the 2027 Budget compared with the previous year to ensure the nation’s infrastructure development agenda continues to be strengthened.

Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said the ministry hoped to remain one of the main recipients of Development Expenditure (DE) allocations in the government’s annual budget.

“Year after year, out of the 28 ministries, KKR receives the largest development allocation. For instance, in 2026, out of a total DE allocation of RM81 billion, nearly RM9.6 billion, or 10 per cent, was allocated to KKR.

“So, we hope to maintain this leading position in terms of DE. We have indeed requested a higher allocation than last year, but we leave the final decision to the Ministry of Finance. We understand that they may face certain constraints, such as rising subsidy costs,” he said.

He said this at a press conference after officiating the pre-launch of the 13th Malaysian Road Conference and Exhibition 2026 and the 6th International Road Federation Global Asia-Pacific Regional Congress here today.

Ahmad said the matter was among the topics discussed during his meeting yesterday in Putrajaya with Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan and Treasury Secretary-General Tan Sri Johan Mahmood Merican.

Commenting on the conference, he said it would provide broader opportunities to showcase and advance local road engineering technology and innovation on the international stage.

He said the conference, themed “Transforming the Nation Through Future Ready Roads”, reflected Malaysia’s commitment to developing road infrastructure that is resilient, sustainable and aligned with future development needs.

“A total of 111 exhibition booths will be set up during the conference to showcase the latest products and technologies from relevant sectors.

“We are also targeting an attendance of 1,000 participants from both within and outside the country, with 100 technical paper presenters sharing their experiences in engineering technology and innovation,” he said.

The international-standard conference and exhibition will be held from October 13 to 15 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL). — Bernama