13MP projects must be completed ahead of schedule, says PM Anwar, calls for stricter implementation review
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 14, 2026 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged ministries and implementing agencies to accelerate development projects under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), stressing that they must be delivered efficiently and, where possible, completed ahead of schedule.
Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, said projects involving excessively large allocations should undergo scope reassessment and implementation review by the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Economy and the respective project-owning ministries to ensure optimal public expenditure management.
He emphasised that such reviews are not meant to delay progress but to identify more effective and cost-efficient execution methods without compromising quality.
“Cost savings from reassessed projects can be redirected to more urgent needs, particularly in the health and education sectors,” he said in a Facebook post following a development briefing for the Kinta district in Perak during his working visit to Tambun.
Anwar highlighted the importance of stronger coordination between the Federal and state governments to ensure that infrastructure projects directly benefit the rakyat in a shorter timeframe.
He cited the example of additional classroom construction, noting that there is no reason to wait four years if facilities can be completed and operational by the end of the year through better planning and streamlined processes.
The briefing covered multiple areas, including the performance of 13MP projects in Kinta, public well-being indicators, the Madani Adopted School and Adopted Village programmes, Perak’s development initiatives, district security status, and proposed new projects.
Anwar expressed appreciation that the district reported no “sick projects,” indicating improved monitoring and implementation standards.
Beyond project execution, the Prime Minister also underscored the need to enhance the government’s information delivery strategy so that the public is more aware of development achievements.
He noted that while significant progress has been made in sectors such as healthcare, education, security and agriculture, many Malaysians remain unaware of the infrastructure investments undertaken.
As such, Anwar called on all ministries and agencies, including the Communications Ministry, to strengthen outreach efforts to ensure government service delivery and project outcomes are communicated more effectively.
The renewed focus on implementation efficiency and strategic communication reflects the government’s commitment to prudent fiscal management and ensuring that development spending translates into tangible benefits for the people.
-wilayah.com.my
