The Pakatan Harapan-led Kedah government today tabled the state 2019 Budget with a projected deficit of 8.14 percent, compared to 10.19 percent in 2018.

Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir said the projected deficit was RM57.78 million, while the operating expenditure for 2019 reduced by 10.61 percent from the previous year.

"The operating expenditure is RM768 million and of the amount, RM108 million will be allocated as a contribution to the development fund," he said when tabling the budget during the state legislative assembly in Alor Setar today.

As for development expenditure, he said the state government has allocated RM86 million.

"In 2019 the state government is expected to rake in RM710 million in revenue, with RM295 million from tax revenue, RM215 million from non-tax revenue and RM200 million for non-tax revenue receipts," he said.

Mukhriz said this anticipated revenue was more realistic and achievable, as compared to the RM779.5 million expected this year.

This is because as at Nov 5, the actual revenue collected was only RM475.35 million, or 60.98 percent of the projected figure.

Mukhriz added that in remaining true to the budget themed ‘Credible Malaysia, dynamic economy, prosperous rakyat’ the state budget was not something extraordinary.

"This is the state’s current financial position, and that is all that we have. So we shall take a realistic and prudent approach in managing the state's finances.

"We do not want to table a ‘feelgood’ budget with the announcement of various mega projects and large allocations, when in reality we do not have the funds to fulfil the promises,” he added.

- Bernama