Perak: The Perak government today tabled a budget of RM1.61 billion for the year 2026, allocating RM1.045 billion for operating costs and RM568 million for developmental purposes.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad presented the budget under the theme "Perak Makmur, Rakyat Sejahtera" (Prosperous Perak, Prosperous People). The budget emphasizes five key areas: the well-being of the people, governance of state-interest projects, development of human capital and youth, environmental sustainability, and ensuring food supply security.

The budget outlines detailed allocations for various operating costs, including RM496 million for emoluments, RM385.9 million for services and supplies, RM13.9 million for asset purchases, RM143.8 million for grants and payments, and RM5.9 million for other expenditures. Notably, the budget accounts for planned salary increments under the Public Service Remuneration System Phase 2, which will see a seven per cent pay rise for management, professional, and implementation groups, and a three per cent increase for the top management group starting January 1, 2026.

Saarani, also the Kota Tampan state assemblyman, highlighted a significant increase in development expenditure, with a RM30 million boost, marking a 5.6 per cent rise from the previous year. The RM568 million development expenditure is the highest ever allocated by the state, underscoring ongoing economic growth and alignment with the Perak Sejahtera 2030 Plan.

The budget is framed against projected development revenue and receipts of RM1.518 billion, up by RM80 million from Budget 2025. Saarani expressed confidence in achieving a budget surplus for the fourth consecutive year, noting that the state's revenue collection had surpassed RM1 billion as of September 30.

Additionally, the budget focuses on enhancing the well-being of the people with an allocation of RM718.5 million, marking an increase of RM89.8 million compared to the previous year. This includes a RM47.3 million allocation to the Social Welfare Department (JKM), pivotal in implementing the people's well-being program. The state also earmarked RM73.06 million for food supply security, including RM30.9 million for the State Agriculture Department, which is a RM3 million increase from the previous year, alongside RM8 million for development expenditure.