Minister of Construction and Infrastructure, Abdullah Muththalib, has expressed concerns about private companies misusing advance payments for government projects. Speaking in response to questions regarding rural water supply, sanitation, and port projects, the minister highlighted the recurring issue of contractors abandoning projects after securing advance funds.

“This problem was particularly prevalent in 2023,” the minister stated. He explained that some companies accept projects through bidding, take the advance payments, and then fail to deliver any work. "They use the funds to pursue other business ventures and often resurface after five to ten years," he added.

The minister emphasised the negative impact of such practices on the state, urging stricter measures to prevent misuse of public funds and ensure accountability in government contracts.