IPOH – The Perak Legislative Assembly sitting today made history when the state Supply Bill 2021, or the state budget, was unanimously passed after being tabled by newly-appointed Menteri Besar Datuk Saarani Mohamad on Wednesday.
The deficit budget involving an allocation of RM1.215 billion was approved after being debated by 12 state assemblymen, six from the government bloc and six from the opposition.
Saarani (Umno-Kota Tampan), when winding up the debate, said that under the National Digital Network (Jendela) plan announced on August 29, a total of 146 new communication transmitter sites will be built together with the upgrading of 1,406 communication transmitters at existing towers throughout the state.
“Various technologies can be used throughout the state of Perak, especially in rural areas so that the same quality of service can be enjoyed in all areas,” he said.
In addition, Saarani said that for fixed line broadband, more than 216,000 premises will be upgraded to fibre optic technology which will provide Gigabit access. These initiatives are expected to be completed in stages until 2022.
“However, all these digital infrastructure development initiatives require the cooperation of all parties, especially the state government and local authorities to facilitate the process and approval of projects that have been planned for implementation,” he said.
Touching on assistance to flood victims, Saarani said currently RM300 was given to each family that has been evacuated to a Temporary Relief Centre (PPS).
He said for families who have not moved to PPS or moved to locations other than PPS, they would also be eligible to receive the RM300 aid, provided that the head of the family is registered with the Social Welfare Department (JKM).
“Registration by JKM is made after obtaining confirmation from the sub-district head and the approval of the chairman of the District Disaster Management and Relief Committee or the State Disaster Management and Relief Committee,” he said.
Saarani said the District and Land Office would channel the aid to each family only once during the disaster period, but any suggestions for improvement including assistance being provided more than once during the disaster period would be studied. – Bernama, December 18, 2020
