The Pahang state legislative assembly today passed an additional allocation of RM118.6 million to fund the state government’s expenditure, especially in facing floods in the state.

The motion was approved after the third reading by Menteri Besar Adnan Yaakob, seconded by Lau Lee (BN-Damak) and unanimously accepted by the government and opposition assemblypersons.

Out of the additional budget, RM60 million is to pay for state government shares to Pengurusan Air Pahang Berhad (PAIP) and RM46.1 million to meet the flood costs through the State Disaster Fund.

It also involves additional emolument of RM4.6 million, in line with the Members of Administration and State Legislative Assemblyperson’s (Remuneration) Enactment Bill that was passed at the last assembly sitting to fund the salary increase for 10 state exco members and 42 assemblypersons.

Other expenditures approved through the additional budget are for aid to associations and other contributions (RM5 million), medical/haemodialysis assistance (RM2 million), research and development for Pahang Museum Board (LMP) artefacts (RM100,000) and the museum’s management (RM518,724).

The state assembly also approved the establishment of Pahang Museum Corporation to replace LMP after the third reading of the bill by state Tourism and Culture Committee chairperson Mohd Sharkar Shamsudin and seconded by Maznah Mazlan (BN-Muadzam), to enable it to generate income and expand its operations.

Also passed were the Pahang Islamic Law Administration (Amendment) Enactment Bill, and the enactment to be enforced on Oct 1.

The bill sought to amend the Pahang Islamic Law Administration Enactment 1991, which among others, is to widen the scope of eligibility for individuals to be appointed as Syariah chief judge or Syariah High Court judge.

Speaker Ishak Muhamad then adjourned the state assembly sitting sine die.

- Bernama