The government's initial budget for fiscal 2019 is set to be the first ever to top ¥100 trillion ($885 billion), reflecting a sweeping fiscal stimulus package designed to underpin the economy after a consumption tax hike next year, government sources said Wednesday.

With swelling social security and defense costs also contributing, the record-high spending plan for the year beginning in April distances the country further from improving its battered fiscal health — the worst among major economies.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's Cabinet is looking to approve a draft of the initial general account budget on Dec. 21, clearing the way to submit it to the regular Diet session beginning in January.