Surprise gift in RM1.88b budget

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Surprise gift in RM1.88b budget

2009/12/22

By Sean Augustin

THE state government yesterday presented a balanced budget of RM1.881 billion, of which a large chunk will go to four priority sectors.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said said the sectors were education and human capital development; agriculture; tourism; and industry trade, service and information and communications technology (ICT).

Maintaining last year’s theme of a people-centric administration and of development, Ahmad also revealed a surprise “gift” in the form of RM10 million to a fund to cover costs for treatment of chronic diseases.

Another RM10 million was set aside for public insurance and a similar sum to augment an Islamic programme called Syiar Islam.

For education, Ahmad said RM134.96 million would go to various programmes such as Pintar al-Quran and Fardu Ain classes, TB-Kids, e-book and English language.

About RM30 million has been set aside for youth programmes to reduce social ills.

In ensuring the well-being of locals, the state government has set aside RM185 million, of which RM100 million would be used for housing projects, RM53 million for agriculture and fisheries and RM20 million for entrepreneur and co-operative development.

To increase competitiveness, Ahmad said about RM12 million would go to ICT programmes and upgrading of infrastructure.

He also pledged to carry out activities to capitalise on the state’s potential in the tourism industry, such as the Kapas-Marang International Swimathon, rebranding of several tourism products, including the recreational park and mini zoo in Bukit Takal, and turning Tasik Kenyir into the state’s main tourist spot.

Din Adam (BN-Bukit Besi) got the ball rolling when he asked for the names of companies managing the iron mines in Bukit Besi and how they benefited locals.

In reply, Ahmad said the companies, TBM Minerals Sdn Bhd, Cahaya Ikhtiar Sdn Bhd and Wahaba Wangi Sdn Bhd, won leases to run the mines for five years.

He said the companies created job opportunities for 50 per cent of locals and those from surrounding areas.

Alias Abdullah (BN-Alur Limbat) asked why the state government did not pay any attention to a drainage project despite him having raised the matter many times in previous sittings.

Ahmad said a drainage and irrigation project from Baruh Muring Tasek to Sungai Bukit Payong had been approved.

He added that the state government had done an in-depth study on the project.

 

Alias shot back, saying that “as far as I know, not a single sen has been approved for the project”.

“So, where is the proof of a people-centric development? Which is more important? A bird or butterfly park or this project? My constituents told me to pass this message.”

Ahmad said he did not lie when he said that he had approved the allocation.

“Please understand that land reclamation is still in the process. I am not lying.

“This was the answer given to me by the state Drainage and Irrigation Department. Please don’t use the Dewan to hurl baseless allegations.”

Alias tried to press further but was stopped by Speaker Datuk Tengku Putera Tengku Awang.

Later, Ahmad said he bore no grudges as it was part and parcel of the assemblymen to do their jobs.-NST