Selangor: The Selangor Resilience Strengthening Package was formulated after taking into account the results of cost-saving measures and prudent state financial management, said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari. He stated that the package was implemented by setting operating and development spending ceilings at 95 percent and 90 percent, respectively, in the Selangor Budget 2026, which resulted in an estimated surplus of RM230 million from the total RM3 billion allocation announced last year.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, RM140 million was utilized in the first phase of the package, while Phase 2 amounts to over RM200 million. Of the RM230 million surplus, RM93 million was generated from the optimization of operating expenditure, while RM137 million came from development expenditure. Amirudin detailed this breakdown while concluding the debate on the Selangor Resilience Strengthening Package at the Selangor State Assembly.
Last Friday, Amirudin announced Phase 2 of the package, which includes 15 initiatives with an allocation of RM209.26 million as a strategic measure to address the global energy crisis following developments in West Asia. The initiatives include not only cash assistance but also holistic economic empowerment measures, ensuring that the state's revenues benefit the entire community.
Amirudin explained that the initiatives outlined in the package are backed by local authorities and state government subsidiaries. For instance, the Selangor Agricultural Development Corporation (PKPS) is involved through co-funding several previously announced initiatives. Among these is a free food initiative costing RM14.4 million, with RM9.6 million covered by local authorities and RM4.8 million borne by the state government.
He further cited the Selangor Food Warehouse's expenditure set at RM50 million, with RM25 million funded by the state government and the remaining RM25 million from PKPS's reserves. He expressed confidence in the sufficiency of this allocation, noting it represents less than 10 percent of their total reserves.
On cost-saving measures, Amirudin mentioned reviewing priority projects, canceling unnecessary programs, restricting overseas travel, and encouraging work-from-home initiatives. He emphasized that social welfare spending would not be reduced, with savings focused on non-critical project expenditures.
Amirudin also noted that budget planning was conducted earlier due to the global crisis, aiming to ensure the state's financial sustainability. He added that, for now, there is no need for additional expenditures until the 2027 Budget presentation, contingent on the state's revenue position and current needs.