KUCHING: The Sarawak government has collected State Sales Tax (SST) amounting to RM15.80 billion from the sale of petroleum products since its introduction in 2019 until 2023, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
He said this is one of the achievements of the Sarawak government under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and it was indeed not an easy task to accomplish.
“Since taking office in 2021, Abang Johari has consistently shown a high commitment in fighting for Sarawak’s rights, including the takeover of Bintulu Port under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“I am confident that other matters can be resolved in the future, and today Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian was also busy discussing health autonomy with federal Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zulkefli Ahmad.
“Moreover, Sarawak now has the right to implement the collection of petroleum sales tax since 2019, and the total collection until 2023 is RM15.80 billion,” he said.
He said this at the Majlis Amanat Perdana 2024 for Sarawak Civil Service delivered by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here yesterday.
Elaborating further, Uggah mentioned that the federal government under the administration of former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) did not agree with the Premier’s proposal regarding the implementation of SST on petroleum product sales previously.
“However, with determination and courage, he took the matter to court until Sarawak won the case,” he said.
Meanwhile in a related development, Uggah said that Abang Johari’s administration is based on a people-centric approach, showing his concern and efficiency in resolving issues by implementing various initiatives to improve the socio-economic well-being of the people.
“For example, the implementation of the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) has significantly boosted Sarawak’s economic growth and narrowed the economic gap among the people, among other efforts.
“January 13 marks the seventh anniversary of Abang Johari’s administration, and since then, Sarawak has undergone various transformations, including new economic areas such as green energy and the introduction of hydrogen energy policy, which has also enhanced Sarawak’s reputation globally,” he said.
Uggah also mentioned that Abang Johari is a leader with a people-oriented spirit for the entire community in Sarawak, regardless of race, religion, culture, or position, serving as an example to other states in Malaysia.
“Abang Johari also introduced some of initiatives such as the establishment of regional development agencies benefiting the entire population of Sarawak from Lundu to Lawas, including the Highland Development Agency (HDA), Upper Rajang Development Agency (URDA), and many more.
“He also approved a fund of RM110 million for the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR), including allocating land lots on Jalan Ong Tiang Swee to the Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and Dayak Cultural Foundation (DCF),” he said.
