ALOR SETAR: The Kedah government tabled the state 2022 budget themed "Kedah Sejahtera Nikmat Untuk Semua" amounting to RM1.35bil, with a projected deficit of 12.44% or RM90.22mil.

       Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said the budget allocates RM815.22mil as operating expenditure, with RM103.04mil to be allocated as contribution to the development fund.

       As for development expenditure, he said the state government proposed to allocate RM218.31mil for the development fund, which is a significant increase of RM17.41mil.

       "This is to ensure balanced development throughout the state and all projects that have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic could be completed," he said when tabling the budget at the State Assembly sitting here on Sunday (Nov 14).

       In addition, he said RM8.96mil would be allocated for the Forest Development Fund, an increase of 10.6% compared to this year, as an effort to restore and conserve biodiversity resources.

       Muhammad Sanusi said a total of RM308.14mil would be allocated for the Water Supply Expenditure Fund to continue the government's efforts to provide quality, clean and sufficient treated water supply to meet the increasing demand.

       In the meantime, he said Kedah projected a collection of RM725mil in revenue next year, with tax revenue being the largest contributor of RM335.91mil or 46.33%.

       "This is followed by non-tax revenue of RM224.56mil (30.97%) and RM164.53mil (22.69%) from non-revenue receipts," he said.

       He said as of Nov 11, Kedah had received RM631.68mil in revenue or 87.73% of the RM720mil target, which is an improvement from last year's revenue of RM560.66mil.

       Meanwhile, Muhammad Sanusi said the 2022 Budget was drawn up based on three main thrusts namely Catalyst and Recovery of Economic Activity; Improving the Quality of Life and Well-being of the People as well as the Digitisation of Services and Efficiency of Governance.

       "The people are affected by the Covid-19 pandemic which has been going on for almost two years. Its impact on people's emotions and physical health need to be given serious attention and assistance needs to be balanced. The state government is sensitive in this matter and has planned the 2022 Budget to help improve the wellbeing of the people in Kedah," he said. – Bernama