By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Nov 20: Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has tabled a Sarawak Budget of RM12.363 billion for 2024, the largest ever budget unveiled by the Sarawak government.
He said the proposed budget would increase the operating and development expenditure from RM11.503 billion in 2023 to RM13.601 billion in 2024, an increase of RM2.098 billion or 18 per cent.
“The 2024 State Budget proposes a total ordinary expenditure of RM12.363 billion, of which RM4.563 billion is for operating expenditure, while RM7.8 billion is for appropriation for the Development Fund Account to finance various development programmes and projects,” he said when tabling the Supply (2024) Bill, 2023 during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today.
The budgeted operating expenditure comprises RM1.067 billion or 24 per cent for personnel emoluments; RM1.761 billion or 39 per cent for supplies and services; RM1,524 million or 33 per cent for grants and fixed payments which includes operating grants to statutory bodies and local authorities, servicing of public debts and payments of gratuities, pensions, and scholarships, including financial and welfare assistance; RM107 million for procurement of assets; and RM104 million for other operating expenses.
The Bill also sought approval for the development expenditure estimate of RM9.038 billion for 2024 of which RM8.915 billion will be funded by the State while RM123 million will be funded through federal loans and reimbursable grants.
Abang Johari further said that the State government is projected to collect revenue of RM12.749 billion in 2024, which is the highest revenue ever projected.
It is estimated to be derived from tax revenue totalling RM5.704 billion or 45 per cent, including State sales tax (SST) of RM4.572 billion; non-tax revenue totalling RM6.390 billion or 50 per cent; non-revenue receipt of RM28 million; and federal grants and reimbursements of RM627 million.
Following this, he said, the 2024 State Budget is expected to generate a surplus of RM386 million. — DayakDaily
Editor’s note: Amended to reflect Sarawak Budget of RM12.363 billion for 2024 instead of earlier stated.
