By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Oct 12: Sarawak will continue to enforce the State Sales Tax (SST) under the Oil Mining Ordinance (OMO) 1958, a regulation that predates Malaysia’s formation, reaffirmed Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Abang Johari went on to say that since the introduction of the SST in 2019, Sarawak has secured greater financial autonomy, empowering the State to finance a wide range of projects aimed at improving the lives of its people, including significant infrastructure and social development initiatives.
“With the additional income from SST and other economic generators, we have been able to implement countless projects worth billions of ringgit that will benefit the ‘rakyat’ (people),” he said in a speech delivered by Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian during an interfaith thanksgiving ceremony held last night (Oct 11) at a prominent hotel here in conjunction with the 78th birthday celebration of Sarawak Head of State (TYT) Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.
The Premier further highlighted that the revenue from the SST also supports the construction and maintenance of various houses of worship, including churches, temples, and other religious institutions throughout the State.
“So, with better deals from the Federal Government through MA63, we will be able to develop Sarawak much faster.
“Of course, this will include building more houses of worship based on the increasing needs of our people, whether in urban or rural areas.
“Rest assured, we will not discriminate against anyone who genuinely needs our assistance,” he added.
The Premier reiterated that the continued enforcement of the SST safeguards Sarawak’s rights under MA63, ensuring that the State receives its fair share of revenue to drive forward its development plans, especially under the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
He stressed that substantial funding is still needed for Sarawak to reach its goal of becoming a developed region by 2030, with a strong focus on social inclusivity as part of its development agenda. — DayakDaily
