Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg, when tabling the 2020 state budget today, said this would bring an expected revenue of RM58 million.

He said this is in keeping with the state’s efforts to maintain its momentum and keep pace with development, especially for rural areas which require substantial funding.

The tariff for abstraction of raw water will also be revised from 1 sen per cubic metre to 2.5 sen per cubic metre.

Abang Johari said the increase in tariff, which will take effect on Jan 1 next year as well, will only affect power and water providers in the state.

“The electricity and water charges to consumers for both industrial and residential will remain unchanged,” he said.

Given Sarawak’s estimated total revenue of RM10.067 billion and its proposed ordinary expenditure of RM9.694 billion, he expects the budget to generate a surplus of RM373 million.

He said the surplus budget would enable the state to continue building up its financial reserves to ensure financial sustainability in the long run.