Small/High-Impact/People-Centric Projects (Small Projects) refer to small-scale public infrastructure projects that allow government agencies (federal and state) to submit applications for consideration and approval by the Ministry of Economy. The People's Infrastructure Initiative (IKR) involves direct applications for small-scale public infrastructure projects submitted by the public directly to the Ministry of Economy.

The main conditions and criteria for the projects are small-scale public infrastructure that directly and immediately benefits the public (people-friendly) in terms of use and immediate impact. Small Projects and IKR that can be considered for funding using the allocated budget must meet the conditions and criteria, including the following:

1. Public small-scale infrastructure that provides immediate benefits to the local community or the general public;
2. Project implementation must not involve land acquisition, must not be for individual needs or assets, and must not be located on private property;
3. The cost of the requested project ranges from RM100,000 to RM500,000 for Small Projects;
4. The cost of the requested project must not exceed RM200,000 for IKR;
5. Physical projects that are ready for immediate implementation ("shovel ready") and can be completed within 12 months;
6. Projects must meet the characteristics of being best value for money, avoiding luxurious elements ("nice to have"), and must be essential for public interest/use ("must have");
7. Projects must not overlap with projects that have already received funding approval from other government agencies (Federal or State Government).

Projects that are not allowed under Small Projects and IKR include the following:

1. Construction, maintenance, upgrading, or repair of assets/offices of government agencies, local authorities (PBT), and commercial assets owned by agencies or statutory bodies, including assets developed using development expenditure allocations;
2. Routine works such as grass cutting, tree pruning, drain cleaning, and garbage collection;
3. Projects for individual use; and
4. Cash or goods distribution.

• For Small Projects:
  Applicant agencies need to submit complete information, including the project name, project scope, bill of quantities (BQ), and photographs of the project site or existing infrastructure. The applicant agency is responsible for ensuring that the estimated project cost is reasonable and based on the Schedule of Rates issued by the Public Works Department (JKR) or other relevant authorities.

• For IKR Projects:
  Applications can be submitted through the IKR application at www.ikr.ekonomi.gov.my. Applicants can select an appropriate government agency (federal/state) to be appointed as the project implementer. The following information must be provided when applying for IKR Projects:

  • Project name with a reasonable and appropriate estimated cost;
  • Photographs of the location and current condition of the proposed project; and
  • Project scope and other relevant details to support the project application.

• For Small Projects:
  Disbursement for approved Small Projects will be made to the agency that has provided complete information as specified in the approval notification letter.

• For IKR Projects:
  Shortlisted applications will be forwarded to the implementing agency for feasibility review. If the proposed agency agrees to be appointed as the implementer, the disbursement will be made to the respective government agency, subject to the submission of complete information as specified in the project approval notification letter.

The scope of Small Projects and IKR that are permitted includes, but is not limited to, repairing, upgrading, and maintaining existing small-scale public infrastructure, as well as replacing or constructing new small-scale public infrastructure, such as the following:

1. Drains, culverts, and ditches;
2. Roads, bridges, footbridges, pedestrian pathways, and low-level crossings;
3. Slopes, embankments, gabions, and bunds;
4. Sports courts, playgrounds, children's play areas, and recreational facilities;
5. Open halls, community centers, and bus stops;
6. Mosques, suraus, and madrasahs (limited to premises registered or authorized by the respective state religious authority).

For applications involving the construction, maintenance, upgrading, or repair of mosques, suraus, or madrasahs, verification from the state religious authority is required.