IPOH: All 54 Perak state assemblymen, including the Speaker, will each get an allocation of RM300,000, says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.

       During the tabling of the 2022 State Budget, the Perak Mentri Besar said the allocation included RM100,000 in the form of an outright grant and RM200,000 for small projects under the Infrastructure Consolidation to Drive Prosperity Programme to benefit the people.

       "Each state assemblyman's service centre will also be allocated RM84,000.

       "All state executive council members will also get an additional RM100,000 in the form of outright grant and RM100,000 for development works to be spent across the respective constituencies," he said during the state assembly sitting on Friday (Dec 10).

       "The total allocation for all state assemblymen is RM25mil.

       "It is with hope that the allocation can allow all state representatives to give better and effective services," he added.

       Saarani also said all state civil servants would each get RM1,000 as a sign of appreciation for remaining steadfast and committed to providing services to the people after two years of facing Covid-19 together.

       He said the payment will be made as early as January next year.

       "The state will also set aside RM1mil into a Vehicle Purchase Deposit Fund for civil servants, and another RM1mil into a Self Advancement Fund for public officers," he added.

       On the state budget, Saarani said it is expected to be a RM50mil deficit budget next year.

       He said the projected development revenue and receipts was about RM1.06bil, while estimated expenditure was about RM1.1bil.

       "The budget is based on the current economic scenario and the state's financial situation.

       "We have taken proactive steps to get feedback from various departments and agencies, and also from all state representatives," he said.

       He added that the budget would focus on seven core matters, including to improve the Internet access, broadband and digitisation of services; preparation and maintenance of public facilities; channeling of state government aid; preparation of training and job opportunities; aid for entrepreneurs; development of land matters and governance effectiveness.