By Fitri Hazim Hazam
SHAH ALAM, Nov 11 — Perikatan Nasional (PN) state assemblymen have welcomed the welfare programmes announced by Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari in the 2024 Selangor Budget’s tabling yesterday.
Permatang state assemblyman, Nurul Syazwani Noh, praised the RM4 million allocation for women’s development and empowerment, alongside various other incentives, as it shows the state government’s commitment to continuing the tradition of advocating for the people.
“There are indeed many incentives for women, but I hope further improvements can be made. The programmes are mostly the same, but I commend the fact that many have been maintained,” she said.
Meanwhile, Sungai Burong state assemblyman, Mohd Zamri Mohd Zainuldin, believes several areas need improvement, especially in enhancing rural development funds.
He said most of the announced mega projects are focused on urban areas, which may contribute to a widening urban-rural development gap.
“This budget has many positives, but perhaps there could be enhancements for rural areas. Management expenditure is still relatively high compared to development, even though Selangor is a developed state.
“This is something we will examine and discuss in the coming weeks,” Zamri said.
On his part, Sabak state assemblyman Sallehen Mukhyi welcomed the RM25 million allocation to construct the Islamic complex in Gombak Permai as part of the efforts to develop Islamic worship institutions.
“I agree with the religious development policy. From a physical standpoint, we already have the development for Muslims to worship and engage in various community activities.
“However, developing worship institutions requires trained instructors. Therefore, we also need to establish a training centre as an institute that nurtures great scholars,” he said.
Themed ‘Independent Selangor: Driving Progress, Fostering Unity’, the 2024 Selangor Budget has allocated RM2.53 billion for management expenditure and state development implementation.