THE total state revenue for this year is projected at RM10.703 billion, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the projected sum took into account the actual revenue collection as of Oct 31, including receipt of outstanding State Sales Tax (SST) on crude oil, liquefied natural gas and other petroleum products amounting to RM2.957 billion from Petronas.
“Our effort in expanding the state’s revenue base via imposition of the SST has proven to be a strategic move by the state government in achieving the fiscal flexibility needed to strategise and manage its economic development agenda and financial affairs.
“This revenue source will also greatly help the state to face the current economic downturn and combat the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic,” he told the august House when tabling the 2021 State Budget yesterday (Nov 9).
Abang Johari further told that the 2020 Ordinary Expenditure was revised upwards from RM9.694 billion to RM10.408 billion, an increase of RM714 million or 7.4 percent.
“This is mainly meant for the State Disaster Relief Fund under the Sarawakku Sayang Special Aid Packages (BKSS) to address the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“As of Oct 31, RM8.948 billion of Ordinary Expenditure or 86 percent had been expended — RM3.569 billion was for Operating Expenditure, RM4.8 billion was meant for Development Expenditure while the balance of RM578 million was for the State Disaster Relief Fund,” he added.
Abang Johari explained that the Development Expenditure for 2020 was also revised upwards from RM6.597 billion to RM7.386 billion, an increase of RM789 million or about 12 percent. The revised Development Expenditure estimate was approved during the DUN sitting in May this year.
“Out of this amount, RM3.834 billion or 52 percent has been expended for the period ended Oct 31. The performance is affected by the slowdown in the activities due to movement control order (MCO) and Covid-19 mitigation measures. Nonetheless, the expenditure is expected to increase further as development momentum on the ground continues to pick up towards the end of the year,” he added.
Abang Johari also pointed out that the state government had been delivering promises it made to the people over the last three and a half years.
Among the achievements were fighting for and safeguarding Sarawak’s rights, interest and status under the MA63; revenue reengineering and diversifying Sarawak revenue base through imposition of sales tax; implementing the Sarawak Digital Economy Roadmap; establishing Sarawak Multimedia Authority, Sarawak Digital Economic Corporation, and Centex to drive digital economy transformation, talent and start up development; as well as expanding electrification and water supply especially to rural areas.
Others included protecting people’s rights over ownership through recognition of native territorial domain; establishing the Sarawak TV to introduce and promote Sarawak nationwide; financial aid for Government-aided schools (Chinese Medium and Mission Schools); modernising public transport and setting up of Sarawak coastal guard to protect the state’s shoreline.
