ISKANDAR PUTERI: The state government today tabled a surplus budget of RM3.43 million for 2019.
The surplus is RM2.29 million higher compared to the RM1.14 million surplus announced in last year’s budget.
Menteri Besar Datuk Osman Sapian said for 2019, the state government is expected to collect a total revenue of RM1.552 billion while expenditure is expected to be RM1.549 billion.
“A total of RM949.34 million have been allocated for management expenses while RM600 million have been allocated for development expanses,” said Osman while tabling the budget at the State Assembly, here, today.
Of the management expenses, RM496.16 million have been allocated for emoluments, services and supply (RM259.86 million), assets (RM13.68 million) and other expenses (RM179.64 million).
Osman also announced that the Federal government agreed to write off Johor’s bad debts worth RM189 million.
“This is from a total of RM334 million that Johor owed the Federal government. The remaining debts of RM145 million is in the final stages of being resolved,” said Osman.
He said the state budget for 2019 consists of six thrusts, namely ensuring the people’s prosperity; sustainable development and preservation of resources; infrastructure development, driving trading zone and digital community; dynamic democracy and social equality; modernising Islamic education, human capital and cultural heritage and efficiency, integrity and democratic administration.
“This year’s budget encompasses 28 sectors and 207 focus points based on the six thrusts. It is based on the voice of the people of Johor and the Johor Comprehensive Development Plan 2019-2030,” said Osman.
He also announced Johor's economy is expected to grow between 5 to 5.2 per cent this year.
“For 2019, the state govermuent expects economy to grow between 5 and 5.5 per cent based on the structure and base of the Johor economy and the expected commencement of the oil and gas project in Pengerang,” said Osman.