Government seeks over RM2 billion for excess expenditure

In tabling the Supplementary Supply Budget Bill 2013, Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan requested for an additional RM2,392,077,572.

The additional budget is sought for agencies and ministries such as the Prime Minister's Department, Public Service Department, Home Ministry and the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

The highest additional expenditure totalling RM2,099,876,700 was sought for the Treasury for Contributions to Statutory Funds.

This followed a request from the Public Service Department of RM 55,600,000 and the Prime Minister's Department of RM53,364,492.

The Works Ministry requested for RM50,000,000, the Communication Multimedia Ministry requested for RM46,900,00, the Foreign Affairs Ministry requested for RM28,101,600 and the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry requested for RM20,000,000.

Meanwhile, the Home Ministry requested RM15,995,600, the Energy,Green Technology and Water Ministry requested RM13,800,000) and the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry requested RM8,439,150.

Out of the amount requested by the Prime Minister's Department, RM31.2 million will bear the operational and official functions cost for Istana Negara.

On the other hand, the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry requested additional budgeting to cover among others, the Giant Panda Conservation Cooperation Programme (RM5.6 million) and emergency slope repair works (RM2.7 million).