PERAK TABLES RM1.61 BILLION BUDGET 2026

IPOH, Nov 25 (Bernama) -- The Perak government today tabled Budget 2026 totalling RM1.61 billion, with an estimated RM1.045 billion for operating expenditure and RM568 million for development.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said that the budget, which continues under the theme "Perak Makmur, Rakyat Sejahtera” (Prosperous Perak, Prosperous People), focuses on five key areas: people's well-being; governance of state-interest projects; human capital and youth development; environmental sustainability; and food supply security.

"The expenditure for operating costs includes RM496 million in emoluments, RM385.9 million (services and supplies), RM13.9 million (asset purchases), RM143.8 million (grants and payments), as well as RM5.9 million for other expenditures.

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"The increase in operating costs for 2026 has taken into account the planned salary increments under the administration of the state government, which adopts the Public Service Remuneration System Phase 2, which involves a seven per cent pay rise for those in the management, professional and implementation group, and a three per cent increase for the top management group, effective Jan 1, 2026, in addition to the annual salary increment,” he said.

Saarani said this after tabling the Perak Budget 2026 at the State Legislative Assembly sitting at Bangunan Perak Darul Ridzuan here today.

Saarani, who is also the Kota Tampan state assemblyman, said the development expenditure for 2026 has received a huge injection of RM30 million, which is a 5.6 per cent increase compared to 2025.

"The development expenditure of RM568 million is recorded as the highest amount ever allocated by the state government.

"This proves that the state's economic growth continues to be driven, while development continues to be implemented in line with the Perak Sejahtera 2030 Plan,” he said.

Saarani said the budget ensures the Perak Sejahtera 2030 Plan continues to be advanced with full vigour and fortitude, and in a bid to realise these efforts, it was drawn up based on projected development revenue and receipts reaching RM1.518 billion, an increase of RM80 million compared to Budget 2025.

"And, Insya-Allah, we are on the right track to record a surplus for the fourth consecutive time. This is because we have again created history when, as early as on Sept 30, the state's revenue collection has already exceeded RM1 billion - proving that the state's fiscal position is growing stronger.

"Alhamdulillah, with gratitude towards the blessings of Allah SWT, I am happy to announce that as of yesterday (Nov 24), the state government has already successfully recorded revenue and development receipts of RM1.24 billion - proof that we are gaining strength in building a prosperous future,” he said.

Meanwhile, Saarani said that as for its focus on the well-being of the people, the state government has allocated RM718.5 million for 2026, an increase of RM89.8 million compared to Budget 2025, adding that it includes a RM47.3 million allocation to the Social Welfare Department (JKM), which is among the key machinery in the implementation of the people's well-being programme.

The state government has also allocated RM73.06 million for the purpose of food supply security, which includes RM30.9 million for the State Agriculture Department, which is a RM3 million increase compared to 2025, and RM8 million for development expenditure.

-- BERNAMA