KANGAR: Perlis state government will continue to provide equal allocations amounting to RM4.2 million annually to all assemblymen including the sole opposition elected representative.
The allocation is for implementing projects under the Rural Public Infrastructure Development (PIAD) initiative announced in the Perlis 2025 Budget.
Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli said the welfare of the people should be prioritised, transcending political or racial differences.
"As the Menteri Besar, I believe the welfare of the people must come first, regardless of political or racial differences. I am confident that if we work sincerely, we will be justly rewarded in the future.
"To that end, next year, equal allocations for all assemblymen, irrespective of party affiliation, for projects under PIAD, amounting to RM4.2 million, will continue.
"These projects will be coordinated by the District Administration Division through the respective assemblymen for the implementation of Rural Public Infrastructure and Village Road Upgrading Projects," he said in winding up the debate on the Perlis 2025 Budget at the State Assembly today.
PKR Indera Kayangan assemblywoman Gan Ay Ling is the sole opposition elected representative in Perlis state assembly while the rest of 14 assemblymen are from Perikatan Nasional.
Shukri also announced that the state government would raise the ceiling cost for new house construction assistance due to the increasing cost of goods and raw materials.
"For new house construction projects, after considering contractors' concerns about rising material costs, the state government will increase the ceiling for new house construction assistance from RM50,000 to RM85,000 per house.
"This increased ceiling allocation will not only ease the burden on contractors but also provide better comfort to families and households, as the house specification will be upgraded from two bedrooms to three bedrooms," he added.
On Tuesday, the Perlis state government tabled a RM303.28 million Budget for 2025, the largest ever presented in the state's history.