By Christopher Lidom
KUCHING, May 26: Sarawak has collected revenue totalling RM3.108 billion in the first quarter 2022 or 31 per cent of the estimated revenue of RM10.036 billion for this year, says Deputy Premier of Sarawak Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
In disclosing this, Uggah said the collected revenue is mainly from major sources, namely State Sales Tax (RM1.258 billion), cash compensation in lieu of oil and gas rights (RM876 million), dividends (RM634 million), raw water royalty (RM109 million), forestry receipts (RM66 million), interest and return from investments (RM57 million), land premiums (RM39 million), and federal grants and reimbursement (RM19 million).
“This includes other sources such as mining royalties, water sales and land rent (RM60 million),” he said in his winding-up speech during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.
Uggah who is also the Second Minister of Finance and New Economy, also revealed Sarawak’s ordinary expenditure was revised upwards from RM10.646 billion to RM10.706 billion.
The increase of RM60.064 million or 0.01 per cent for the year 2022 is to cater for additional grants to 23 local authorities for Bantuan Khas Sarawakku Sayang initiatives (BKSS 8.0) which has been extended to June this year.
“As of the first quarter, a sum of RM2.577 billion of Ordinary Expenditure or 24 per cent has been expended,” he added.
Meanwhile, Uggah said for the first quarter of this year, Sarawak has spent RM1.632 billion or 22 per cent of the approved development expenditure.
He pointed out that the expenditure is expected to increase as development momentum continues to pick up as the State enters the endemic phase of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In this respect, he also urged all the Controlling Officers and Heads of Department to continue with their commitment and dedication to implement and monitor projects closely to ensure that all approved projects are completed on schedule and within budget.
“Therefore, all programmes and projects under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) particularly those of high impact and have greater multiplier effects to the ‘rakyat’ must be implemented smoothly and speedily.
“Proactive and preventive measures should also be undertaken diligently to address any problematic and delayed projects.
“The concerted efforts of all departments and agencies, working together in unison would help to expedite project development and completion, thus helping to stimulate domestic socio-economic activities and spur the growth of the State economy,” he said. — DayakDaily
