THE Penang government has the option to table a surplus 2021 Budget but it chose not to do so as it would compromise the promises made to the rakyat.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the RM909.82 million Budget for the year 2021 took into consideration every important aspect to ensure efficient state administrative management, conducive platform to generate economic activities and the development of the state, and to prioritise social and welfare aids and programmes.
“With an expected revenue of RM506.02 million and considering the commitments of the state government to the people, tabling a deficit Budget of RM403.80 million for the year 2021 is unavoidable.
“Among the factors that contributed to the increase of the deficit Budget are the contribution to the state’s development fund amounting to RM200 million, allocations for social aid and welfare programmes totalling RM105 million, payment to statutory bodies, subsidiary companies, associations and state agencies amounting to RM44.77 million, and other expenses.
“The total amount of grants and fixed payments is RM532 million, which is equivalent to 58.48% of the state 2021 Budget.
“The Penang government could have managed to table a surplus Budget, but it does not want to compromise the promises made to the people.
“We are committed to protect the welfare of the people in facing this challenging economy,” Chow said in his winding-up speech during the State Legislative Assembly at Dewan Sri Pinang.
Chow added that the Penang government had managed to obtain a surplus each year, except in 2018, despite tabling a deficit Budget annually.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Alvie Cheng and Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi