P Pinang unjur rekod defisit belanjawan terendah RM5.26 juta bagi 2027

Pulau Pinang's government has unveiled its 2027 state budget, totaling RM1.074 billion, with a shocking deficit of only RM5.26 million, marking the lowest deficit record for the second consecutive year. The opposition leader, Chow Kon Yeow, disclosed that the state's revenue for the period from January to October 2027 amounted to RM847.53 million, accounting for 79.35% of its target revenue for the year.

He assured the assembly that the government will continue to monitor the revenue collection and intensify efforts to achieve its 2026 target of RM1.068 billion.

The state's land tax collection saw a significant increase of 44.41% or RM51.54 million, rising to RM167.59 million as of October 29, 2027, compared to RM116.05 million in 2025. Chow attributed this surge to the recent increase in land tax rates, the first such hike in 32 years. For 2027, the government has agreed to maintain a 50% rebate on land taxes, subject to certain conditions.

Chow also announced the Basic Civil Service Bonus (BKK), equivalent to a month's salary for civil servants in the state. The government allocated RM58 million for the i-Sejahtera program and RM8 million for the Economically Savvy Agenda initiative for the upcoming year. Additionally, RM16.8 million has been set aside for the free public transport subsidy, RM9 million for the one-off RM600 incentive for e-rickshaw drivers, and RM1.2 million for the motorcycle taxi and school bus incentive.

A total of RM16.45 million has been allocated for flood control projects, while RM6.5 million is earmarked for agricultural initiatives. The government also allocated RM7.15 million for the Pulau Pinang State Sports Council (MSNPP) for athlete development and RM5 million to the Stadium and Sports Complex Authority for sports infrastructure upgrades.