LABUAN: The federal government has allocated RM50 million for Labuan’s operating expenditure under Budget 2025, maintaining the same amount as Budget 2024, with RM32.917 million earmarked for seven development projects in this island for the upcoming year. Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying said the projects include upgrading the Patau-Patau 1 Bridge, the construction of a sanitary landfill cell, and the enhancement of the Leachate Treatment Plant.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, these initiatives are part of the government’s ongoing commitment to improving infrastructure and addressing environmental challenges in Labuan. Lim made these remarks at a press conference after officiating the MADANI Financial Carnival at Financial Park Complex in Labuan.

The MADANI Financial Carnival 2024, organised by the Finance Ministry, aims to provide a wide array of services directly to the people in Labuan through the participation of various government agencies and departments. Services include banking counters by Ba
nk Simpanan Nasional (BSN), advisory and direct services from government departments, such as the unclaimed money counter by the Accountant General’s Department (JANM), the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN), the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO), and company registration services by the Treasury of Malaysia Sabah.

The event will also feature offerings from the Employees Provident Fund (KWSP), Kumpulan Wang Persaraan Retirement (KWAP), Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM), and other agencies. Lim highlighted that the event is designed to educate the public on the roles and functions of each agency, featuring financial literacy talks by experts from institutions, companies, and government agencies throughout the two-day event.

The initiative has attracted participation from private companies eager to promote their services and products through exhibitions. Notable participants include the Labuan Financial Services Authority (Labuan FSA), Financial Park Labuan, and Global Art. Lim emphasized that this carn
ival is a key government initiative to enhance accessibility to public services and financial resources for the Labuan community. It also seeks to strengthen relationships between the government, the people, and private companies, ultimately striving to improve community well-being.