Government introduces IKR to boost small public infrastructure - Rafizi

SHAH ALAM - The government is opening applications for allocations through the People's Facilities Initiative (IKR) as one of its efforts to help the public through the improvement of small public infrastructure.

Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli said IKR is a new initiative to facilitate the application process for small-scale public infrastructure projects under RM200,000 directly to the ministry.

He said the scope of small projects allowed are drainage, roads, bridges, footpaths, slopes, banks, gabions, embankments, sports courts, playgrounds, children's playgrounds and recreational facilities.

"In addition, open houses, public halls, bus stops, school assembly site roofs, mosques, suraus and madrasahs are also small scopes that are allowed under IKR," he said in an interview at X on Monday.

On June 20, Rafizi allocated as much as RM500 million through IKR which benefited at least 2,500 people's facilities projects nationwide.

He said, it is an aid from the Federal Government and aims to democratise government funds in financing the implementation of small public infrastructure projects that are under the jurisdiction and responsibility of the state and local governments.

Rafizi added three benefits will be obtained, firstly, completing a small public infrastructure project that has a direct impact on the people in terms of consumption.

"Secondly, repairing public infrastructure more quickly while solving insufficient allocations at the Local Authority (PBT).

"Besides that, the third is to help small contractors across the country get economic benefits from small projects," he said.

He explained that the application will be evaluated by the Ministry of Economy and submitted to relevant agencies before the allocation will be distributed.