THE Penang government will continue to prioritise the people’s welfare, in line with the Penang2030 vision.
When tabling the state’s Budget at the Penang Legislative Assembly building today, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the 2023 Budget was drafted so that the state development agenda could continue, and the people’s welfare can be improved.
Chow announced that Penang’s signature iSejahtera programme would be continued next year.
“The Penang government has allocated RM53 million under the 2023 Budget to ensure that the iSejahtera programme would be continued next year.
“We show our appreciation towards Penangites, whether they are senior citizens, disabled people, single mothers, full-time housewives, or babies aged below aged two (as long as one of the baby’s parents is a Penang voter).
“Financial assistance will be provided to those eligible under the iSejahtera programme,” he said.
Chow also said that the state has set aside RM8.2 million to assist the poor and needy folk under the Bantuan Agenda Ekonomi Saksama (BAES) in 2023.
“As of October this year, a total of 1,305 recipients have benefitted from BAES under the Social Welfare Department (JKM). The state allocated RM8.2 million for the programme this year,” Chow said.
Also on welfare, Chow announced that the state government has allocated RM1.8 million for the incentive payment which would benefit 3,000 taxi drivers and school bus operators.
The Penang government has projected that it would spend RM943.631 million in supply expenditure for 20 departments in 2023.
Besides that, an RM45.840 million allocation is needed for dependent expenses by three departments, in accordance with the law under the Consolidated Fund.
Chow said the total projected operating expenses for 2023 was RM989.472 million, while the expected revenue was RM522.353 million.
“The projected deficit of RM467.12 million will be supported by the state’s accumulated savings of RM848.82 million as of 2021 year-end.
“It is to note that the state’s total reserves (which also include the Consolidated Trust Account) as of 2021 year-end is RM2.117 billion.
“The projected operating expenses for 2023 totalling RM989.472 million is an increase of RM54.25 million compared to 2022.
“One of the main reasons for the increase in the projected operating expenses for 2023 is the increase in contribution to the State Development Fund.
“The Penang government will be increasing its contribution by RM40 million to the State Development Fund. A contribution of RM240 million will be made in 2023.
Chow also tabled the proposed 2023 development Budget, which amounted to RM326.758 million.
“The development expenditure would involve the state amounting to RM311.24 million, and an estimated Federal Government grant of RM15.52 million,” he added.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad and Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi