Selangor to pay off RM19mil debt to federal govt next year, says MB

SHAH ALAM: Selangor has been projected to pay off its debt of RM19,207,475.78 owed to the Federal Government in 2024.

State Mentri Besar Amirudin Shari, when tabling Selangor Budget 2024, said this was possible as the state enjoys sound financial freedom.

He said the amount was borrowed to pay for a water supply project and the Skim Amanah Saham Selangor.

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Under the 2024 state budget, RM68mil has been allocated to the state's Irrigation and Drainage Department for the effective and systematic management of water, drainage and water resources.

"The state government will also allocate RM65mil for various development projects including flood mitigation, drainage system development, river basin development, water and hydrology development, environmentally friendly drainage management, and coastal development, comprising 103 programmes," said Amirudin.

He added that the state government would work closely with the Federal Government to expedite the implementation of flood mitigation projects in Selangor including the Langat River Phase 2 flood mitigation project, which is estimated to cost RM3bil.

The Selangor Budget 2024 will also place emphasis on food security and will work closely with the Federal Government to strengthen the Food Security Programme in 2024.

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"The state government will strengthen the food stocks specially the supply of rice, fish and meat in preparation to counter any regional or overseas situational changes either due to climate or geopolitical changes," said Amirudin.

He added that a total of RM40mil would be allocated, RM20mil of which would come from the state government and the remaining RM20mil from the Selangor Agricultural Development Corporation (PKPS), to increase the state's food supply for three to six months.

"PKPS will also utilise padi cultivation templates that have been proven to increase harvests of up to twice a year in other areas of Selangor and other states to enhance food security," said Amirudin.