KANGAR – The Perlis government has tabled a budget aimed at easing the burden on residents amid the Covid-19 pandemic, and ensuring the economy continues to expand to benefit all.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azlan Man said the three main focus areas of the budget are reviving the economy and improving quality of life, empowering service delivery, and developing a sustainable economy.
“The Perlis Budget 2021 is a deficit budget (of RM67.52 million) involving a RM309.51 million allocation; RM175.69 million for management expenditure and RM133.82 million for development, compared to an estimated revenue of RM108.17 million,” he said when tabling the spending plan in the state assembly here.
He said in an effort to revive the economy and improve quality of life post-Covid-19, several holistic and practical strategies have been drawn up to boost socio-economic growth, including introducing the Grilled Fish Square at the Kuala Perlis Seafood Complex (Komalaut), Brasmana Foodtruck & Flea Market (BFF), and Mobile Food Kiosk at the Urban Transformation Centre here.
The state government is aware and concerned about the difficulties faced by people who lost their sources of income due to Covid-19, he said.
As such, in line with Section 8, Traders By-Laws (MPK) 1992, the state government will introduce “free trading” in Perlis, effective January 1 next year. It will also award a special financial assistance of RM800 each to all civil servants, RM400 each to state pensioners, and RM500 each to reappointed pensioners.
Azlan said the state government is committed to ensuring the smooth implementation of projects and investments in Perlis.
“To date, 23 projects are being closely monitored. Next year will see the implementation and continuation of mega projects in Perlis, such as the federal government-funded RM724 million Chuping Valley Industrial Area.
“Meanwhile, the RM1.8 billion Perlis Inland Port project by Mutiara Infra Sdn Bhd has been awarded conditional approval for planning permission,” he said.
The Perlis government has also allocated RM3.1 million next year for tourism, which is the worst-affected sector by Covid-19. – Bernama, December 8, 2020
