Govt should streamline govt agencies to reduce operating expenses - Simpang Renggam MP

KUALA LUMPUR - The government is urged to streamline government agencies under several ministries in an effort to reduce government operating expenses.

Simpang Renggam MP Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad said one of the biggest contributors to operating expenses is the higher emoluments in 2024.

"Is the government prepared to streamline the government agencies under several ministries. Perhaps there needs to be governance based on achievements among government agencies so that every allocation given to the agency gets the expected returns and results that have a high impact," he said during the debate on Budget 2024 in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Budget 2024, which is themed 'Economic Reforms to Empower the People', involves an allocation of RM393.8 billion, which is the highest budget ever presented with RM303.8 billion for operating expenses.

Operating expenditure for 2024 involves RM90 billion for development expenditure and RM2 billion in contingency savings.

Regarding the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), Hasni said the funding of the plan, involving as much as RM1.3 trillion over 20 years, needs serious focus from the government.

According to him, large allocations need to be given to make the plan a success because Budget 2024 has allocated RM2 billion through the national energy transition fund.

"However, for the years 2023 to 2029, the government needs RM240 billion to fund NETR and half of it covers projects that are marginally bankable or yield below market return.

"So the question is whether the RM2 billion is enough to be a catalyst and create excitement for private funds to finance this NETR. Perhaps the government can explain the specific programmes and initiatives that can be implemented using the initial funds in detail," said Hasni. - BERNAMA