THE Johor state assembly has approved a RM1.73 billion budget for next year.

The state budget, which will have a surplus of RM2.44 million, was debated for seven days at the 56-member assembly.

Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi, in his winding-up speech at the assembly today, noted that this would be the first surplus budget in three years after deficit budgets in the last two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“For 2023, we take into consideration the uncertainties in the economy and markets to ensure that all initiatives can be implemented so that any adverse impact can be minimised,” he said.

Onn Hafiz, the state assemblyman for Machap, said fiscal controls will need to be tightened to ensure the state’s reserves are in good order.

He said the state budget was formulated after getting feedback from all stakeholders to ensure that the Maju Johor 2030 agenda can be realised. – Bernama, December 11, 2022.