The budget, themed “Perak Makmur, Rakyat Sejahtera”, comprises an operating expenditure allocation of RM856 million and a development expenditure allocation of RM491 million.

Saarani said the budget will focus on five areas – the people’s well-being, governance of state-owned projects, environmental sustainability, food security, as well as human capital and youth development.

“The budget is based on the projected revenue and development receipts of RM1.28 billion, comprising tax revenue (RM657.7 million), non-tax revenue (RM392.2 million) and non-revenue receipts (RM192.6 million), as well as development receipts (RM37 million).

“The total revenue – consisting of tax revenue, non-tax revenue and non-revenue receipts – amounts to RM1.24 billion, an increase of RM108.9 million (9.6%) from the 2023 target,” he said when tabling the budget at the state assembly here today.

Saarani, who is also the Kota Tampan assemblyman, said the estimated development receipt of RM37 million was an increase of RM11.6 million or 45.7% from the RM25.4 million in 2023.

He said that for the people’s well-being, the state government has allocated RM384.1 million to implement various programmes and initiatives aimed at developing their potential and capacity to face life’s challenges.

“In light of the economic uncertainty and the financial burden caused by the increasing cost of living, the existing monthly RM300 cash aid, which has benefitted 6,600 recipients as of October this year, will be increased to RM400 beginning in January 2024.

“We will also continue to implement the Kad Perak Sejahtera initiative involving an allocation of RM24 million, with the food assistance rate increasing from RM90 in 2023 to RM100 next year,” he said.

As for the governance of state-owned projects, the menteri besar said RM393.4 million has been allocated to implement high-impact projects, in an effort to provide more job opportunities to the people, and support domestic economic initiatives.