DUN JOHOR | The Johor government today tabled a surplus budget of RM3.43 million for 2019, its ninth since 2011.

Menteri Besar Osman Sapian said the state’s estimated revenue in 2019 would be RM1.55 billion against a projected spending of RM1.54 billion.

“The state government has lined up six strategic thrusts to drive growth, namely ensuring the people’s wellbeing; sustainable development and conservation of resources; infrastructure development, trade and digital community zone drivers; and dynamic democracy and social equity.

“The others are modernising Islamic education system, human capital and cultural heritage; and effective, integrity and democratic governance,” he said when presenting the budget themed “Leading Change, Shouldering Expectations of Bangsa Johor” at the state assembly in Iskandar Puteri today.

He said on a whole, the budget would encompass 28 sectors and 207 focus points based on the six thrusts based on feedback from the people of Johor and the Johor Comprehensive Development Plan 2019-2030.

“A total of RM949.34 million, which excludes contributions to the consolidated development fund, would be allocated for operating expenditure, comprising emoluments (RM496.16 million), services and supply (RM259.86 million), assets (RM13.68 million) and other expenses (RM179.64 million).

“For development expenditure, RM600 million would be allocated through contributions to consolidated development fund,” Osman said.

The menteri besar said the Federal Government has agreed to write off the state’s bad debts which amounted to RM189 million.

“Of the RM334 million owed to the Federal Government, we are in final negotiations to write off the remaining RM145 million,” he said.

Osman added that Johor’s economy was expected to grow by 5.0-5.5 per cent next year which would be above the national average based on the state’s economic structure and fundamentals and upon the commissioning of the Penggerang’s oil and gas project.

- Bernama