By Suhaila Shahrul Annuar
KUALA LANGAT, Jan 16 — Selangor’s ability to consistently collect revenues that exceed its annual targets has allowed the state to continue enhancing welfare aid for its citizens.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari noted that last year, the state recorded a revenue of RM2.7 billion, a staggering RM700 million more than its initial projection.
Similarly, Selangor’s revenue collection of RM2.57 billion in 2022 and RM2.3 billion in 2021 were about RM500 million and RM300 million more, respectively, than the original targets.
As a result, Amirudin said the state could return these additional funds to the people via various initiatives, including Iltizam Selangor Penyayang, which comprises 46 different welfare programmes.
“This (excess revenue) is why the state government has never reduced the allocation for welfare and community programmes but increases it each year.
“We help those in need, enhance their abilities, and raise their spirits. This generous attitude towards the people has brought more blessings to the state,” he said in his speech at the state-level Pongal celebration in Padang Padang Sungai Sedu, Banting, here, last night.
Over 1,000 people from the Indian community attended the event, which featured various cultural performances, including silambam dance, traditional and modern song performances, and fashion shows.
In his speech, Amirudin said the celebration of various festivals in the state is a testament to the unity and respect among the different races in Selangor, including those in the state administration.
“This spirit of unity allows us to live in a peaceful and prosperous environment, whereby our differences have become a unifying factor. Please maintain this unity in Selangor because it ensures progress and the well-being of the people,” he said.
Earlier, Amirudin presented saree donations to Indian senior citizens in Kuala Langat.
Also present was Selangor Special Committee for Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Taoism (Limas) chairman and state executive councillor for poverty eradication V. Papparaidu.
In Malaysia, Pongal is widely celebrated by the Indian community during the harvest season, with the primary aim of providing rest to farmers and livestock.
