KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah State Legislative Assembly (DUN) has approved the Supply Bill 2025 (Sabah Budget 2025) after a debate and winding up session since last Monday.

The bill was passed on Wednesday (Nov 20) after receiving the support of the majority of Sabah state assemblymen through a voice vote.

Sabah State Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Kadzim M Yahya made the announcement after the third reading of the bill by state Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun (pic).

Last Friday (Nov 15), Masidi presented the RM6.42bil budget, which is also the highest in the state’s history, with an estimated surplus of RM24.08mil.

Masidi, when tabling the budget with the theme "Sabah Prosperous, Rakyat Sejahtera", said the state government projected revenue of RM6.44bil next year, making it a surplus budget.

Earlier, when winding up the debate on Wednesday, Masidi said for this year, the state revenue collection to date is RM5.93bil or 87.6% of the Revised Revenue Estimate.

"Sabah's financial position remains strong with a financial surplus of RM624.6mil. This reflects prudent and effective financial management in balancing state revenue with expenditure.

"This surplus also shows the state government's commitment to ensuring that financial resources are strategically managed to meet the development and welfare needs of the people. However, the state government will not forget or feel comfortable with this position," he said.

He said the implementation of the state sales tax on five products, namely scrap metal and waste, ammonia and urea, methanol, silica sand, and oil palm biomass, had managed to generate RM226.01mil as of last month (October).

He said preparations to impose a state sales tax on gold and silver were currently in the final stages and will come into effect in January next year.

"It is estimated that the new sales tax can contribute about RM5.7mil next year depending on the price and quantity of the product," he said.

Kadzim then adjourned the session to Thursday. - Bernama

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/11/20/sabah-assembly-approves-2025-state-budget