Kelantan tables RM1.38b Budget 2027 with RM4.31m operating deficit

Kota Bharu, October 29 — The Kelantan state government has presented a budget of RM1.383 billion for 2027, which includes RM1.087 billion in operating expenditure and RM296 million allocated for development projects. Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud outlined the budget's focus on four key areas: reinforcing religion and human capital development, enhancing social welfare and public protection, fostering a progressive and resilient economy, and promoting environmental sustainability and urban beautification.

He projected state revenue for 2027 at RM1.082 billion, comprising RM238.8 million from taxes, RM314.5 million from non-tax revenue, and RM529.29 million from non-revenue receipts. This projected revenue scenario results in a deficit of RM4.31 million, necessitating sustained fiscal discipline through expenditure controls, improved revenue collection, and a reevaluation of lower-priority projects, according to Daud.

The state government has emphasized prioritizing spending that ensures public welfare, strengthens essential services, and generates long-term economic advantages, even within its fiscal constraints. Mohd Nassuruddin stressed that expenditure decisions should take into account financial capacity, project readiness, and implementation capabilities.

He highlighted projected revenues from land at RM373.57 million, forestry at RM70.4 million, and mining at RM48.41 million. State resources, he noted, must be managed to ensure equitable returns, regulatory compliance, and environmental protection. Concurrently, existing revenue collection efforts need enhancement to efficiently gather the state's rightful dues.