A total of RM9.832 billion has been proposed in the 2021 State Budget which gives emphasis to development, economic recovery, improving sustainable living and the rural community.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said of the total, RM6 billion is proposed for the Development Fund Account to finance the implementation of various development programme and projects, while RM3.832 billion is for operating expenditure.
He said the proposed operating expenditure consists RM874 million or 23 percent for personal emoluments and RM1.269 billion or 33 percent for supplies and services.
“RM1.295 billion or 34 percent is for grants and fixed payments which include operating grants to Statutory Bodies and Local Authorities, servicing of public debts and payments of gratuities, pensions, scholarships including financial and welfare assistance under Bantuan Khas Sarawakku Sayang (BKSS).
“RM73 million is for the procurement of assets and RM321 million is for other operating expenses,” he said when tabling the Supply (2021) Bill, 2020 today (Nov 9).
He added a sum of RM6.304 billion is proposed under the Development Expenditure Estimates for 2021 to finance various programmes and projects.
“The estimate has taken into consideration, among others, the commitment to complete the implementation of the on- going projects from the 11th Malaysia Plan, capacity to implement projects during the year, and implementation of catalytic, high impact, and people-centric projects,” he said.
He also said the proposed 2021 State Budget is expected to generate a surplus of RM180 million, as the estimated revenue is RM10.012 billion and the total proposed ordinary expenditure is RM9.832 billion.
“As the state aspires to attain a high-income economy by 2030, substantial amount of funding is required to spur the growth of the state’s economy,” he said.
He said apart from diversifying revenue resources through revenue reengineering, they will continue to leverage on State Alternative Funding Initiatives to complement the budget.
“This is necessary to fund major infrastructure projects such as roads and bridges, provision of water and electricity supplies, telecommunication and digital economy projects,” he said. He added the 2021 State Budget will continue to be an expansionary budget that aims to stimulate the state’s economic growth that was severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic while ensuring balance socio-economic development between urban and rural area.
