THE Penang government has stepped in with an additional RM8 million allocation to the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) to ensure uninterrupted maintenance of roads, drains and public amenities despite a significant reduction in next year’s Malaysian Road Records Information System (Marris) funding.
The matter was raised during today’s State Legislative Assembly sitting at the State Assembly Building in Light Street, where Jason H’ng Mooi Lye (PH – Jawi) addressed concerns over the reduced allocation for MBSP in 2025.
For 2024, the state received RM221 million in Marris funds from the Ministry of Finance (MoF), of which RM136.7 million was channelled to MBSP for state road maintenance.
However, the 2025 allocation for MBSP will drop to RM99.2 million, prompting questions from H’ng on the reasons and consequences for Seberang Perai.
H’ng, who helms the Local Government, Town and Country Planning portolio, explained that the yearly Marris allocation depends on MoF’s disbursement and must be shared among multiple state departments.
“The state’s Marris Committee must consider not only MBSP’s needs but also those of 13 other departments such as the District Offices, Public Works Department (JKR) and the Irrigation and Drainage Department (JPS),” he said.
He acknowledged that the reduction would impact MBSP’s maintenance capacity.
As a result, the state convened a special meeting on June 17 this year, chaired by H’ng in his capacity as the state executive councillor.
“The committee agreed to channel an additional RM8 million to MBSP on top of its existing allocation.
“This ensures that routine maintenance involving roads, drains and public facilities under the Marris scope can continue without disruption.
“MBSP has accepted the decision and has already coordinated follow-up actions to ensure smooth implementation,” he said.
During supplementary questioning, Ong Ah Teong (PH – Batu Lanchang) asked whether overall maintenance costs would increase when the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) takes over road maintenance duties currently handled by the Public Works Department (JKR).
He also sought clarification on whether MBPP would receive additional Marris funds and what JKR’s role would be after the transfer.
Responding, H’ng confirmed that costs are expected to rise, with MBPP’s estimated maintenance expenditure now standing at RM47 million.
This figure takes into account both the existing 349.96km of roads already under MBPP and the additional 605.04km of roads expected to be transferred from JKR.
“Besides routine maintenance costs, MBPP will need to invest in machinery and infrastructure. The estimated cost for these assets is RM11 million.
“In addition, annual staff management costs are expected to increase by about RM6 million. With the additional 605.04km of roads being transferred, the allocation returned to MBPP must be increased to enable effective and timely maintenance,” he said.
H’ng further clarified that MBPP will not be taking over all JKR-managed roads on the island.
As per the coordination proposal approved by the state executive council on April 9 this year, a remaining 156km of state roads will continue to be maintained by JKR.
“JKR will not be transferring staff, machinery or office facilities to MBPP as part of this transition.
“Therefore, MBPP will need to apply for additional manpower, machinery and office infrastructure to successfully manage the roads being taken over,” he added.
The discussion highlighted the state’s ongoing efforts to balance funding constraints while ensuring that road and infrastructure maintenance across both Penang island and Seberang Perai continues smoothly.
Story by Kevin Vimal