Bill for additional RM592,310,727 allocation approved

THE State Legislative Assembly yesterday approved a bill for an additional allocation of RM592,310,727 to ensure the smooth running of the government administration machinery for the year 2018.

Chief Minister cum Finance Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Shafie Apdal explained to the august House yesterday that out of that amount, RM119,382,000 is for the urgent expenditures under the Infrastructure Development Ministry covering the purchase of bulk water supply, the handling of water plants throughout Sabah, and to settle payments of arrears to water concessionaires.

He also said that RM23,264,000 will be used to pay for the maintenance of main drainage systems and drainage and irrigation works throughout Sabah. And RM20,868,353 will be allocated to pay for utility bills while RM23,000,000 is allocated to pay for the PPNS Building management facility services, he said.

Aside from that, RM10,943,400 will be used to pay for the allowances of village heads’ allowances.

The balance of RM49,218,524 is allocated for emoluments and administrative expenses, such as building maintenance, vehicles and generators as well as security services.

Similarly, the august House also approved a supplementary allocation of RM55,570,900, which will be allotted to four ministries.

Of the amount, RM1,869,980 will be used to pay for projects that have been implemented last year but were not paid during the 2017 financial year.

Another RM31,473,920 will be allotted to sustain the lack of current allocation for projects that have been committed with contracts and projects which will be completed this year.

Whereas another RM22,200,000 is allotted to pay for the special allocation of the new state assemblymen, ministers and assistant ministers, Shafie said.