KUCHING: The distribution of annual allocation to each state in the country depends on the government’s fund, capability and priorities, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
Under the revised Budget 2023, the allocation for Sarawak had increased to RM5.6 billion as compared to RM4.6 billion previously.
“We also need to remember that there are many other allocations besides the specific allocations.
“This includes paying the salaries of teachers, police, the army and so on. If summed up, it is quite a huge amount, he said.
He said this at a press conference when asked to comment on the revised Budget 2023 after meeting with the youth under Petra Jaya parliamentary constituency in the ‘Juh Bekpes Dengan FY’ programme at a local eatery here yesterday (Mar 4).
Fadillah, who is also the Petra Jaya MP, further said under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution and according to the formula that was agreed upon, Sarawak is also getting an additional of RM300 million every year.
“In addition, there is also the allocation of RM20 billion (in the Budget) to Sabah and Sarawak to continue implementing the Pan Borneo Highway project as well as the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road and border roads,” he said.
He then said what was more important was to ensure that allocation approved for the projects or programmes must be carried out effectively.
“If there is allocation but it is not spent, then it serves no purpose too,” he said.
He also hoped that any allocated projects in the country could be implemented smoothly and there would be no further delays.
“This is also so that there will be no allocation (for the projects) being returned because it is not being used,” he said.
