Sri Tanjong Assemblyman, Chan Foong Hin urged Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman to listen to the to people’s call for the postponement of the five per cent Sales Tax on Sabah’s seafood export.
He said the State Government must consider postponing the implementation of the Sales Tax on Sabah Seafood Export.
For a new tax to be imposed, the Government must look from all perspectives particularly in the present unfavourable economy, Chan.
He said as the main decision maker in the State, Musa who is also Finance Minister needs to come down personally to meet up and hear out voices of the players affected by the imposition of the Sales Tax on seafood export in Sabah.
“Don’t pass the ball around … there’s actually no point for them to meet other minister like Datuk Mary Yap and Datuk Yahya Hussin because they simply can’t make decision,” he said.
Chan who is also DAP Sabah vice chairman said this commenting on the protest against the 5 per cent Sales Tax on Sabah’s seafood export staged here on Wednesay
Spokesperson, YS Tan said they were registering their objection to the new tax because it is not only the players in the industry would be affect but other related sectors too.
It was reported that the new five per cent sales tax that was announced during the tabling of the State 2015 budget would be imposed beginning this year.
Tan claimed the seafood exporters were not even considered for discussion by the State Government on the matters.
“This will effect not only the export industry-fishing boats but also factory, transport, packager, fishermen and fish farmers,” he said, adding that they were also worried that buyers would shun Malaysia, especially Sabah.
According to Tan, also being badly affected were highly risky prawn farming done by mostly bumiputra in Pitas.
“The profit margin is not too high but the seafood industry is too competitive,” he said.
Tan said they had already met with several elected representatives to seek assistance.
With so many shortcomings in the implementation of the new sales tax, Tan said they wondered if the Government had really done studies before deciding to impose the tax.
“Have the Government taken into consideration all issues pertaining to the seafood exports and understand the industry better first?”he asked.
He said the Government have yet to clearly explain the mechanics of the tax and many other crucial issues that needs to be ironed out before the tax can be implemented.