Summary
- Zahid rejects claims of RM2.1 billion in excess spending.
- Ministry spent RM6.108 billion against revised RM6.143 billion allocation.
- Opposition previously called for investigation into spending discrepancies.
KUALA LUMPUR, October 27 — Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has denied claims that the Rural and Regional Development Ministry overspent RM2.1 billion between 2023 and 2025.
Zahid told Parliament the ministry spent RM6.108 billion against a revised allocation of RM6.143 billion, leaving approximately RM35 million unspent.
He said the alleged overspending resulted from comparisons with original allocations rather than revised budgets approved after additional funding.
The explanation followed calls by Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng for an anti-corruption investigation, amid concerns over delayed contractor payments and spending on rural infrastructure projects.
