KOTA KINABALU, Nov 25 ― The Sabah government today tabled a state Budget with a surplus of RM130.47 million for 2023, the biggest in the history of Sabah, with a projected revenue of RM5.258 billion.

Tabling the Budget themed "Strengthening The Economy For People’s Prosperity” at the state assembly, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said that the Budget comprised a projected revenue of RM5.258 billion and an expenditure budget of RM5.138 billion.

Hajiji, who is also the finance minister, said the Budget would continue the focus on economic growth based on the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya development plan.

He announced a special bonus of half a month’s salary with a minimum amount of RM1,000 for some 20,271 state civil servants which will be paid in January 2023.

Another special aid of RM500 to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri and the Kaamatan will be given and paid in April 2023.

"It is hoped this Special Financial Assistance will ease children’s school expenses and for Chinese New Year celebration.”

He also increased an increase of RM1 million allocation for the government assemblymen will be increased to RM3 million with the distribution of RM2.5 million for the implementation of minor projects in their respective constituencies.

For next year’s revenue, RM2.405 billion was expected to come from, among others, RM 2.27 billion in state sales tax RM90 million in land rent, and RM44.5 million in ports and harbour dues.

Non-tax revenue will contribute RM2.311 billion which includes petroleum royalties of RM1.35 billion, RM300 million from the sale of water, RM144 million land premiums, RM137million in dividends and RM133.5 million in forest produce royalty and export on timber products.

Hajiji also proposed the following allocations for the following state ministries: Finance (RM2.16 billion), Works (RM1.16 billion), Agriculture and Fisheries (RM501.54 million), Rural Development (RM212.63 million), Local Government and Housing (RM204.03 million), Science, Technology and Innovation (RM175.61 million), Special Tasks and Coordination (RM167.75 million), Community Development and People’s Wellbeing (RM157.58 million), Tourism, Culture and Environment (RM134.59 million), Youth and Sports (RM97.50 million) and Industrial Development (RM54.51 million).