State govt’s balance sheet pretty healthy — chamber
TAWAU: The president of Tawau Chinese Chamber of Commerce (TCCC), Chia Seong Fatt, welcomed the 2018 State Budget 2018 unveiled by Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Haji Aman last Friday, describing the state government’s balance sheet as pretty healthy.
Chia said the expenditure for 2018 budget had been raised to RM4.14 billion from RM3.7 billion in the previous budget. Despite the increase of RM414 million, there is an estimated surplus of RM65 million.
“This implies that the state government’s balance sheet is pretty healthy,” he said.
Chia added the allocation for infrastructure development constituted a very significant amount of RM958 million. It is expected that more funds to be channeled to the agriculture sector. For example the oil palm sector needs better accessibility as it is one of the main state revenue contributors.
“The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment also has been allocated an amount of RM127 million.
“As this sector is prospering, the government could help to promote other towns in the state by arranging more direct flights to evenly distribute the tourism cake in the state in order to boost the state economy,” he added.
Generally, Chia said this is a people-oriented budget, more transparent and prudent spending of funds would help to build a better image of the state government; at the same time gaining trust and confidence of the people.