GEORGE TOWN: Revenue collection in Penang last year saw a dip compared to 2013. Revenue collected in 2014 decreased by RM34.01 million or 4.1 per cent compared to 2013, from a total of RM833.72 million to RM799.71 million.
The 2014 Auditor General’s Report on Penang recommended that the state government maintained the performance of increased revenue and prudent spending to sustain its good financial position. The report also said the state government could further increase its revenue by ensuring higher dividend returns from investments.
It also recommended that the state government make continuous effort to collect RM79.60 million of revenue arrears as at Dec 31, last year which comprises quit rent, repayment of student loans, instalments or rental of house and shops as well as other revenue.
According to the report, the state government spent RM192.34 million or 80.5 per cent for development plans compared to an approved allocation of RM239.07 million. A total of 2,856 or 99.3 per cent of the 2,875 planned projects were successfully implemented while the remaining 19 were either at the progress stage, yet to commence or delayed projects.
