KUANTAN: Pahang is targeting to collect RM1.279bil in revenue for 2026, an increase of about 7% from this year, said Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.
He said that under the 2026 State Budget, RM1.274bil has been allocated for operating expenses, while RM446.26mil has been set aside for state development expenditure.
"In line with Pahang 1st Aspiration, this budget represents a continuation of the state's grand vision through a planned and comprehensive action plan," he said when tabling the budget themed "Pahang 1st: Rakyat Didahulukan, Kemakmuran Dipertahankan" at the state legislative assembly sitting at Wisma Sri Pahang here on Friday (Dec 5).
Wan Rosdy also announced that RM455mil has been allocated for maintenance works on state, municipal, agricultural and village roads next year.
"As part of ongoing efforts to enhance the state's infrastructure, RM134.34mil has been allocated to the Pahang Public Works Department for its management and development budget," he said.
To enhance the quality of water supply in Pahang, Wan Rosdy said the state government has allocated RM64.54mil through Pengurusan Air Pahang Berhad (PAIP) to improve service efficiency, reduce non-revenue water (NRW) losses and ensure a more stable supply.
He said the state government, through PAIP, has introduced the Pahang 1st Free Water Programme, providing the first 20 cubic metres of treated water free to the B40 group, with RM7.3mil allocated next year to benefit 38,000 consumers.
Also highlighted were efforts to reduce flooding in the state, with RM52.23mil allocated to the state Drainage and Irrigation Department for projects aimed at reducing flood risks, addressing coastal erosion and restoring river estuaries.
Wan Rosdy also said the state government would provide RM400 each to Pahang students in public and state-registered private higher education institutions, with RM9mil allocated for the purpose.
"The state government will also channel RM1,000 each to students pursuing studies abroad, involving an allocation of RM300,000," he said.
According to him, the B40 group will continue to receive assistance, including RM200 each for farmers and fishermen, with RM1.07mil and RM650,000 allocated, respectively. --Bernama
