IPOH: Perak has achieved an impressive RM1.3bil in state revenue in 2024, a RM118mil increase compared to 2023.
Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the figure is the highest in the state's history.
"As expected, 2024 was a challenging year. Geopolitical instability from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the ongoing war in Gaza and worsening global climate change have significantly impacted many countries, including Malaysia.
"However, we have faced and managed these challenges well," he said during the Executive Talk and New Year's Message 2024 on Thursday (Jan 23).
Saarani added that the state once again closed its Consolidated Revenue Account with a RM45.62mil surplus.
"This marks the third consecutive year of surplus since 2022, underscoring the state's ability to sustain its recovery momentum following the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic," he said.
Moreover, he said that the state's economic engine remains robust, maintaining a growth momentum of 2.7% in 2023, with a gross domestic product (GDP) value of RM82.6bil, despite global economic uncertainties.
Additionally, he said the state received recognition of the Auditor-General's Certificate of Unqualified Approval (Sijil Ketua Audit Negara Tanpa Teguran) for the 2023 state government financial statements, making it among the five best states in financial governance.
Looking ahead, Saarani noted that while projections for 2025 indicate it may be an even more challenging, he said it must be faces with confidence.
"Our efforts today are not only to stand strong in 2025 to 2030, but also to reach far and create success for the years to come," he said.
The Mentri Besar also emphasised the state's commitment to positioning Perak as the TVET corridor of the nation.
"With a comprehensive technical education ecosystem, Perak is progressing towards becoming a TVET centre of excellence, not just for local needs but as a national benchmark.," he said.
He added that to expand access to TVET, the state government will launch the TVET 2025 Tour Program.
"This program carries a major mission to convince young people that TVET is the career of the future, thus breaking the stigma that TVET is a second-class option," he added.