By Adrian Lim
KUCHING, Nov 11: The Sarawak government is on track to increase its revenue collection by two-fold in 2021.
In view of the financial difficulties of other states and the federal government, Wong King Wei (Independent-Padungan) has lauded the Sarawak government for tabling an expansionary state budget for 2021 with increased revenue collection.
“Our revenue is from RM5.8 billion previously for 2018 to an estimated 2021 budget at RM10.7 billion.
“While most of the states and even the federal government is facing financial difficulties, Sarawak has come to more revenue, the majority comes from the newly imposed State Sales Tax (SST) for petroleum and gas products.
“RM2.9 billion this year and projected to be RM3.6 billion next year which is never before.
“To this, I have to applaud YAB Chief Minister (Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg) for making this happen,” he said today during the debate of the state budget 2021 at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN).
He noted that Sarawak is the richest state in Malaysia with the highest budget for 2021.
As compared to other states’ budget for 2021 such as Penang RM909.82 million; with a projected deficit of RM403.8 million, Selangor ( RM2.32 billion), Johor (RM1.785 billion), Perak (RM1.098 billion) and Sabah (RM4.14 billion) Sarawak’s budget of RM9.8 billion was the highest among them.
Wong opined that the financial resources generated by the Sarawak government must be provided for the welfare of the people.
He believed for the sustainable fiscal management of Sarawak financial resources, a long term economic plan has to be taken. —DayakDaily
