KOTA BHARU: The Kelantan government showed a better overall financial performance in 2018, according to the Auditor-General’s Report.
The report on the state government’s 2018 financial statements and financial performance of the state agencies indicated that the overall balance of the Consolidated Fund at the end of 2018 had increased by RM9.47 mil or 15.1% to RM72.19 mil in 2018 from RM62.72 mil In 2017.
“The state government recorded a surplus of RM40.46 mil in the 2018 Consolidated Revenue Account compared to a surplus of RM38.82 mil in 2017. The surplus was attributable to an increase in the collection of revenue of RM586.94 mil compared to operating expenses of RM546.49 mil.
“In 2018, public debt had recorded an increase of RM13.87 mil (1%) to RM1.435 bil compared to RM1.421 bil in 2017. The increase was due to the state government receiving loans for water supply projects and the construction of a new Kelantan palace,” according to Auditor-General Datuk Nik Azman Nik Abdul Majid in a statement.
The Auditor-General’s report was tabled in the Dewan Rakyat on Dec 2 last year after receiving approval from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The report was tabled in the state assembly today following approval by the Sultan of Kelantan.
In the report, Nik Azman said the audit had resulted in the state Government Financial Statements for the year ended Dec 31, 2018, were given a Non-Reprimand Opinion.
“The financial statements show a true and fair picture of the state government’s financial position and the accounting records have been kept completely and updated,” he said.
The report also said the debt repayment made in 2018 amounted to RM5.74 mil.
“According to 22 state government agency financial statements of 2018, 21 have been audited. A total of 20 financial statements have been issued with the Non-Reprimand Certificate and one financial statement has been issued with a Reprimand Certificate while another financial statement has not been finalised,” he said.
Overall, the audit has shown an improvement in the implementation of activities by the state’s departments, said Nik Azman.
He also said the National Audit Department has submitted 10 recommendations for the management of activities by departments/agencies and the management of the state government companies to rectify the reported weaknesses. – April 13, 2020, Bernama
