KUCHING: Sarawak has collected RM3.865bil in revenue as of April, representing 29.6% of its projected RM13bil revenue this year, says Datuk Douglas Uggah.
The Deputy Premier said state sales tax contributed the largest share at RM1.58bil, followed by cash compensation in lieu of oil and gas rights at RM1.106bil.
Other major sources of revenue included dividends at RM545mil, raw water royalty (RM217mil), interest income (RM87mil), land premium (RM87mil), forestry receipts (RM69mil) and Federal grants and reimbursement (RM25mil).
"Given the prevailing economic headwinds and geopolitical uncertainties affecting global oil and gas markets, we foresee an impact on this year's revenue projection.
"Even so, the government is committed to strengthening resilience through prudent fiscal management and targeted initiatives to support the rakyat and economy," he said in his winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly on Wednesday (May 20).
Uggah, who is also the Second Minister for Finance and New Economy, said Sarawak had spent RM3.72bil or 29% of the approved ordinary expenditure as of April, while RM2.16bil or 23% was spent on development.
He said expenditure was expected to increase in the second half of the year with the progress of project implementation.
As such, he called on controlling officers and department heads to exercise prudent financial management and address any implementation issues, so that projects are completed within the available resources.
Uggah also said Sarawak's economy was projected to grow between 5% and 6% this year, supported by resilient domestic demand and continued investment activity.
"Nevertheless, the outlook remains subject to downside risks arising from heightened global economic uncertainty and softer external demand conditions," he added.
