Kuala terengganu: The Terengganu state government today tabled a surplus budget of RM60 million for next year with total revenue estimated at RM1.998 billion. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, in presenting the budget themed 'Driving Potential, Boosting Performance,' said it allocates RM1.938 billion for operating expenditure, including RM450 million for development projects.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Menteri Besar emphasized that the social sector continues to receive the largest share of development expenditure, amounting to RM323.80 million, representing 72 percent of the total allocation. The economic sector is allocated RM92.84 million, or 20.6 percent, a significant increase from 4.4 percent in the 2025 Budget. Meanwhile, administrative functions are allocated RM33.37 million, or 7.4 percent of the development budget.
As of October 31, the state government had generated RM261.61 million in revenue, including from water resources, or 93 percent of the estimated total for the year. This is RM16.62 million higher than the same period last year. Expenditure during the period amounted to RM1.416 billion, lower than total revenue, allowing the state to avoid a fiscal deficit while maintaining service delivery.
The Menteri Besar outlined the state government's priorities, focusing on three main areas: enhancing governance to improve effectiveness, strengthening economic resilience to drive growth, and sustaining social needs to ensure inclusive welfare. To support economic growth, the government will emphasize high-value investments, industrialisation, strategic trade, and the development of the halal industry.
Additional initiatives include streamlining the land lease application process, introducing discounts and scheduled payment plans for land leases, upgrading industrial areas, and developing the Terengganu Geographic Information System application. Efforts to stabilize food access will focus on increasing agricultural production, developing food value chains, and promoting consumer education.
High-impact programmes under the Terengganu Agricultural Strategic Plan 2024-2030 will address sustainable natural resource management, adoption of green technology, and active participation of farming communities. These initiatives aim to ensure the agricultural sector remains productive, resilient to climate change, and continues to contribute to food security and the state's economic growth.
Ahmad Samsuri also highlighted plans to raise public awareness and combat civil and Syariah offences. Key initiatives include the Indahnya Hidup Bersyariat Carnival, the Prevent Before It Worsens Campaign, and programmes addressing sexual orientation issues and mental health among students. He added that the government will draft enactments addressing online Syariah offences to enable legal enforcement and establish the Terengganu State Syariah Compliance Committee, involving multiple state agencies to strengthen monitoring and compliance.