By Siti Rohaizah Zainal
SHAH ALAM, Nov 27 — Opposition state assemblymen have said they are pleased with the 2023 Selangor Budget presented by Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari on Friday (November 25) as it continues to defend the people’s welfare.
Sementa state assemblyman Dr Daroyah Alwi said Selangor is the only state in Malaysia that provides assistance to the people in all aspects, including to women, special-needs children, for education, as well as post-flood aid.
“The budget presented on Friday is inclusive of everything, and I am satisfied as it involves all the people of Selangor. It has become a tradition for the state government to continue providing assistance to its people.
“Nonetheless, there are several matters that should be immediately addressed by the relevant agencies including strengthening bunds, especially at Sungai Serdang, which tend to rupture during high tide.
“I have frequently raised this issue, and there needs to be a study so the bunds can be repaired more properly. Improvement works ought to be carried out as soon as possible, and if need be by asking the Federal government,” she said.
On his part, Sungai Panjang state assemblyman Datuk Mohd Imran Tamrin acknowledged there are several things in the budget that have been improved, after several quarters were involved in helping to prepare it.
He said several of the initiatives that will aid the people includes the Jom Shopping initiative of RM100 to RM200, as well as additional allowances for the heads of traditional villages, new villages, and Indian community leaders.
“I have raised the matter before. This is not to say RM100 is insufficient, but it can be augmented to a proportionate amount. I also hope the addition of the community leaders’ allowances will improve their performance when serving the people.
“Similarly, the announcement regarding the upgrading of the Sabak Bernam area will contribute to the success of the Sabak Bernam Area Development Agenda (Sabda) initiative, as good infrastructure will attract investors and raise the local economic level,” he said.
Mohd Imran added he hopes the budget’s agenda can be carried out with full responsibility and cooperation, via the unity Federal government, and boost Selangor’s stability and prosperity.
During the tabling of the budget, Amirudin said the state government has allocated RM2.45 billion, to prepare for the anticipated economic slowdown next year.
