Kedah Budget 2017 achieves lower deficit
> Realistic, not ‘pie in sky’ says MB
ALOR STAR: Kedah tabled a budget of RM1.06 billion for 2017, with a deficit of RM75.5 million compared to an estimated revenue collection of RM734.7 million.
The budget, themed “Together Driving the Economy, Boosting the State’s Potential”, tabled by Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah, has allocated an operating expenditure of RM810.1 million and RM256.4 million for development.
“This budget differs from Budget 2016 which had recorded a deficit of 14.9% (RM107.8 million); showing that Budget 2017 has succeeded in reducing the deficit by 4.63%.
“In realising the aim of this budget, especially in fulfilling the actual needs of the B-40 income group, thus the achievable target of the estimated expenditure is at least 90% of overall projection for 2017,” he said when tabling the budget at the State Legislative Assembly sitting, here, yesterday.
The budget is based on four main thrusts, namely raising efficiency and prudence in revenue spending, adding value and exploring the potential of new economy, boosting the people’s economy and ensuring the well-being of its multiracial community through the right measures.
Ahmad Bashah also announced a special payment of RM500 each to the state’s 6,090 civil servants involving an allocation of RM3.045 million which will be made at the end of this year.
Speaking to reporters later, Ahmad Bashah, who tabled his maiden budget after taking over as mentri besar of Kedah, said it was not a a “pie in the sky” budget.
He added it was realistic and achievable despite recording a RM75.5 million or 10.27% deficit.
His confidence was based on efficient and effective revenue generation and collection as well as prudent spending.
Asked on his achievement in bringing down the deficit by 4.63%, he said he had stressed on revenue collection and also deferred several programmes that entailed very high costs. – Bernama