The Perak Menteri Besar and State Financial Officer showing the 2024 Perak Budget book.

IPOH, 1 December 2023 - The Perak State Government today tabled the 2024 State Budget totalling RM1.35 billion, the highest in its history, with a special focus on driving the economic growth and wellbeing of the people.

Dato' Seri Saarani Mohamad said by continuing the theme "Perak Makmur, Rakyat Sejahtera" under the Perak Sejahtera 2030 plan, the 2024 Perak Budget allocates RM491 million for development expenditure and RM856 million for operating expenditure.

He said the budget maintains the five main focuses of 2023, namely People's Wellbeing, Governance of State-Owned Projects, Human Capital and Youth Development, Environmental Sustainability and Food Security.

"Among them is the increase in allocation for development purposes by RM96 million compared to 2023, with most of it being channelled for infrastructure development and people's wellbeing initiatives.

"Supported by the state's stronger and more stable financial position, the budget also saw several direct aid initiatives to the people being increased to meet the welfare needs and benefit the people in need," he said.

He said this after tabling the 2024 Perak Budget at the State Assembly Hall, Bangunan Perak Darul Ridzuan here.

Dato' Seri Saarani added that realising the uncertainty of the economic situation faced by the people, the government has allocated RM384.1 million to implement various programmes for the people’s wellbeing with the aim of making them self-sufficient.

He said due to the economic uncertainty and pressure on the people’s lives, the current cash aid of RM300 from the Social Welfare Department (JKM) will be increased to RM400 from January 2024.

"Starting next year, JKM's financial aid eligibility requirements will use the Household Poverty Line Income (PGK) guidelines of RM1,198 compared to the current RM1,169.

"Also, the Kad Perak Sejahtera programme will be continued to help the B40 target group with an allocation of RM24 million; and the cash rate of the card, which was increased from RM80 to RM90 this year, will be further increased to RM100 from next year," he said.

Dato' Seri Saarani added that in order to succeed in the Governance of State-Owned Projects focus area, the state government has allocated RM393.4 million to implement development programmes, including building or improving infrastructure facilities in addition to upgrading road infrastructure.

"In line with the importance of knowledge to improve the people’s socioeconomic level, the education agenda will continue to be one of the priorities of the state government with the provision of RM202.4 million for the human capital and youth development.

"As for the fourth and fifth focuses on the aspects of Environmental Sustainability and Food Security, allocations of RM66.3 million and RM63.3 million are provided respectively," he added.

At the same time, Dato' Seri Saarani also announced a two-month salary Special Financial Assistance for all state civil servants.

Source : Corporate, SUK Perak.