In a statement today, Chaw, the Menglembu assemblyman, said the Jelajah Sentuhan Kasih programme had seen the ministry visit over 300 locations nationwide, including in opposition-run states.

He denied claims that the allocation was politically motivated and linked to the Ayer Kuning by-election, saying it was requested and approved before the polls were announced.

“At the end of 2024, we went to Kelantan and announced an allocation of RM150.4 million to upgrade local infrastructure such as Pantai Cahaya Bulan and landscaping in Kota Bharu, even though no by-elections were held at the time.

“In this case, the allocation was requested and approved before the by-election was announced.

“These efforts are not political in nature, but part of the ministry’s duties and responsibilities,” he said.

Last Thursday, Nga said his ministry had allocated RM6.13 million this year for 33 projects in Tapah, including upgrades to public toilets, food courts, community halls, and the installation of LED streetlights.

The announcement was criticised by some, including Parti Sosialis Malaysia’s candidate for the by-election, KS Bawani, who said such allocations should have been made at a different time.

She claimed that the timing of the announcement, so close to the campaign period, amounted to bribery.

The Election Offences Act 1954 prohibits the offer of bribes before, during and after elections.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also defended the announcement, saying it was made before nomination day for the Ayer Kuning by-election.

He said the government’s stance was clear that the use of government machinery or allocations from the time of nomination until polling day was not permitted.