Penang tables RM1.3bil budget

GEORGE TOWN: Penang has tabled a total budget of RM1.3bil for 2018, a reduction from the total budget tabled last year at RM1.45bil.

Speaking at the Penang State Legislative Assembly on Thursday, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng also announced an RM748.5mil projected deficit budget for next year compared to the projected deficit of RM667.1mil in the 2017 budget.

He said for 2018, the state government estimated a revenue collection of RM503.764mil, a smaller figure compared to 2017.

Also announced was a RM2,000 bonus for all civil servants with good disciplinary records, while those without a good record – as determined by the state secretary – would receive a bonus of RM1,000.

The bonus will be distributed by the end of the year.

During his Budget speech, Lim also introduced the "I Love Penang Card", a smart card for all Penangites to gain access to various social amenities and benefits provided by the state government.

Lim said the smart card would help ensure better coordination and integration of all government welfare programmes.

"The smart card will later be developed into virtual cards in the form of mobile applications for further facilities," he added.

In line with the state government's efforts to promote public transportation, he also announced an allocation of RM15mil for free bus services during peak hours in the mornings and evenings on all Rapid Penang buses.

The state assembly sitting will resume on Monday (Nov 6).