Kota Kinabalu: The Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) urged for more effective measures to raise expenditure on development without reducing revenue, hence stimulating socio-economic growth.
FCAS President Tan Sri TC Goh also hoped the State Government would ensure continuous efforts to secure Sabah’s rights under the federal constitution, including the 40 per cent net tax revenue and ensure continuation of ongoing funding, including allocations for non-Muslim religious groups, church schools, national schools, and private schools, including the Chinese community, and to increase the amount when it’s necessary.
Goh who is also President of The Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong) acknowledged the positive aspects of the State budget, particularly the State Government’s focus on industrial, agricultural, tourism, and infrastructure development.
He appreciated the surplus budget of RM 35.87 million, despite a 72.5 per cent decrease from the previous year’s budget of RM130 million, considering the overall budget increase.
“As compared to the deficit budget tabled by the federal government for many years, Sabah’s surplus budget obviously reflected well on Sabah state government’s prudent financial management,” he said.
He noted that the State has proposed an estimated revenue of RM5.737 billion, an increase of RM 469 million as compared to the previous year, and an estimated supply expenditure of RM5.701 billion under its budget for next year, an increase of RM563 million, as compared to the previous year’s RM5.138 billion.
He also praised the State Government’s allocation of RM813.56 million for agriculture, industry, and tourism development, along with additional funds of RM124.06 million for industrial parks to improve their amenities to better attract foreign investors, and RM150 million in aid of small businesses, describing it as positive steps toward accelerating development in various sectors.
However, he opined that the RM18 million worth of incentives allocated for paddy cultivation might be insufficient to support the state’s efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in rice production and reduce reliance on rice import.
He also urged the state government to step up effort to boost research and incentives for high-value crops like dry and mountain rice.
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