No amendments to Perak Budget 2016, says MB

The Perak state government would not amend the Perak Budget 2016 despite the economic slowdown, said Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir.

Zambry said it is too early to make any amendments to the budget, but any amendment, if made, must not affect the allocations promised to the people.

"We have to study first if any amendments need to be made. We must see what needs to be recalibrated or otherwise, and it must be done properly.

"I have to wait until the first quarter ends, then only can we make the necessary amendments. But at this stage I think it is premature for us to do any kind of calibration as far as the budget is concerned," he told reporters after delivering his executive cum New Year address here today.

The RM1.08 billion Perak Budget 2016 was tabled on Nov 17 last year. On Jan 8, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced that amendments to the 2016 federal budget would be presented soon to reflect the challenging economic scenario this year.

Earlier in his speech, Zambry said Perak recorded a budget surplus of more than RM7 million last year due to efficient financial management amid falling oil prices, the ringgit's depreciation and moderating slow economic growth.

Zambry said measures to optimise spending include cutting expenditure on unessential hall decorations including for official government functions.

The state's 2015 budget amounted to RM1.05 billion with an estimated deficit of RM50.06 million.