ALOR STAR: Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has tabled a RM1.241 billion state budget for 2024 with projected deficit of RM104.10 million.
The Perikatan Nasional (PN) Jeneri assemblyman said the budget is based on projected revenue of RM748 million against RM852.1 juta expenses.
"The state government estimates a total revenue of RM748 million, an increase of RM13 million or 1.77 per cent compared to projected revenue for 2023.
"From the total, the biggest contributor to come from RM354.23 million taxes revenue or or 47.36 per cent, followed by non-taxes value at RM223.42 million or 29.87 per cent.
"Non-revenue receiveable is estimated at RM170.35 million or 22.77 per cent," he informed the State Assembly when presenting the 2024 State Budget at Wisma Darul Aman today.
Sanusi proposed that out of the RM852.1 million expenses, RM100.39 million to be contributed to Development Fund Group.
"Of the RM852.1 million expenses, RM83.34 million to be allocated for emolument and RM768.76 million for supply
"The expenses are expected to increase by RM12.98 million or 1.5 per cent compared to 2023.
"Taking into account the projected revenue, management expenditure and Development Group Fund, the deficit for 2024 is extimated at RM104.10 million or 13.92 per cent," he said.
Sanusi also announced a RM2,000 special cash assistance for 5,600 state civil servants with a total financial implication of RM10.8 million.
He said the special cash assistance – the biggest in the state history, to be paid in half by this December followed by March 2024.
"The state government truly appreciate the undivided dedication and commitment of the state civil servants in supporting and implementing every policy, programme and project planned to bring prosperity to the state.
"Therefore, a total RM2,000 has been agreed to be given out as a special cash assistance to the state civil servants involving an allocation of RM10.8 million," he said.
He also announced a one-off special cash assistance for imams appointed by the state, chairman and secretary of the Village Head Council in March, for the Hari Raya festive, adding that the quantum to be decided later.
Later in a press conference, Sanusi said the budget was formulated based on the spirit of the people's welfare, the state administration efficiency, enhancing the civil service as well as promoting cashless application.
"We want to make sure that every cent (of the budget) is spent for the most important sectors and segments with no leakage. There will be no partying or enjoying, the budget is solely for the people," he said.
Asked on the reason for the 100 per cent hike of the special cash assistance payout compared to the previous year, Sanusi said the state government was just following suit the federal government move.
"We are just following suit what the federal government announced. The federal government announced RM2,000, so it will be unfair if the civil servants in the state getting lesser than that, so I am just following the PMX (Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim)," he said.
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