SIBU: The state government has to spend a total of RM5.1 billion on basic amenity projects which were scrapped by the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government when it was in power for 22 months.
This included RM2.8 bln for water and RM2.3bln for rural electrification projects.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan explained that these projects had been approved for implementation by the then BN government. However, when PH formed the Federal government after winning the 2018 general elections, they were scrapped.
He revealed this at the presentation of RM10.6mln land compensation to 202 landowners here yesterday.
Their land had been acquired for the development of the proposed second trunk road package. The project involved two sub packages covering a length of 30km and included the upgrading of Jalan Tanjung Genting from Jalan Tulai to Lanang Bridge.
“Many projects had been approved for implementation before it took over. The PH government, before its collapse, gave us allocation for electricity supply projects which were not many. There were none for water projects,” added Awang Tengah.
He said infrastructure projects including roads and bridges which were due for implementation were also cancelled by PH.
When there was no allocation from the PH government, GPS had to provide allocation of RM2.8bln for water and RM2.3bln for electricity project, said Awang Tengah.
He added the state government had the financial capability to fund these projects as it had revenue from the imposition of sales tax on oil and gas products.
“We are fortunate our GPS under Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg managed to boost the government’s revenue. One of the sources of revenues comes from the imposition of sale tax on petroleum companies,” said the minister.
While others had paid for the petroleum tax, Petronas failed to comply.
“Petronas has summoned us to court. We will fight for our right according to the law, ” added Awang Tengah.
