Latest news with #DavidChan
Daily Express
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah group urges delay in SST expansion
Published on: Monday, June 16, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jun 16, 2025 Text Size: Chan said the tax expansion has created an unexpected burden for small businesses already struggling with challenging economic conditions. Kota Kinabalu: The National Consumer Foundation Malaysia (Sabah Chapter) wants the Federal Government to postpone the recent expansion of the Sales and Services Tax (SST), citing severe financial pressure on local traders and contractors. Its Chairman David Chan said the tax expansion has created an unexpected burden for small businesses already struggling with challenging economic conditions. Advertisement 'The current economic climate is already marked by global trade uncertainties, weakening consumer spending, and job cuts,' David said in a statement, here, Saturday. He said contractors have been particularly hard hit, reporting sharp increases in operating and capital expenditure since the SST expansion took effect. Many businesses are now struggling with cash flow problems, finding it difficult to service loans and meet project commitments. He said continued financial pressure on small and medium enterprises could have broader economic consequences. 'Imposing further financial stress on the backbone of our local economy may lead to a cascading effect on employment and national productivity,' he said. He called for a grace period that would allow affected businesses to reassess their financial commitments, engage with financial institutions and realign their cost structures. He said local business operators are vital to the nation's supply chains, infrastructure development, and employment creation, arguing that a compassionate and pragmatic policy approach is needed now more than ever. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
14-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Call to speed up renewable energy development to meet zero carbon target
Published on: Saturday, June 14, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 14, 2025 Text Size: Chan urged the State Government to invest in renewable energy infrastructure, including solar, hydro, wind and biomass sources. Kota Kinabalu: The National Consumer Foundation Malaysia (Sabah Chapter) has called on the State Government to accelerate the development of renewable energy in line with Petronas' net zero carbon emissions goal by 2050. Its Chairman David Chan, said the foundation commended the company's long-term roadmap focused on clean energy, methane reduction and carbon capture, describing it as a benchmark for both public and private sectors in Malaysia. Advertisement 'As an oil and gas producing state, Sabah must not be left behind. Without a clear transition plan, we risk economic penalties, job losses and reduced competitiveness as global carbon pricing measures such as taxes and emission caps become the norm,' he said in a statement on Thursday. Chan urged the State Government to invest in renewable energy infrastructure, including solar, hydro, wind and biomass sources. He also called for greater support for electric vehicle adoption, cleaner public transportation and the development of green industrial zones built on low-carbon standards. 'We need greater investment in local research and development, as well as training in renewable energy technologies—especially among our youth and through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions,' Chan said. Citing China as an example, Chan noted that cities like Shenzhen and Shanghai have drastically reduced pollution levels and achieved widespread electric vehicle usage due to strong government intervention. He warned that without decisive action, Sabah could miss out on the economic and environmental benefits of a clean energy transition. 'Sabah must act now, not later. The people deserve a future powered by clean energy, green jobs and sustainable growth,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
13-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
More calls to postpone SST expansion amid economic struggles
David Chan KOTA KINABALU (June 13): The federal government's intention to expand the Sales and Services Tax (SST) on July 1 has received more negative reactions in Sabah with more calls for its postponement. The National Consumer Foundation Malaysia (Sabah Chapter) expresses deep concern as it will inevitably worsen the cost of living for ordinary Malaysians. 'We are witnessing a continuous rise in daily expenses – from basic food items to essential services – and any increase in SST will directly impact business operating costs. These costs will be passed on to consumers, compounding financial hardship at a time when wages remain stagnant and employment insecurity is rising,' said its chairman, David Chan. He said the recent announcement by Petronas to cut 5,000 jobs is a significant signal of economic strain. As global markets are rattled by a prolonged trade war and rising import tariffs – particularly from the United States – Malaysia is not spared. The ripple effects are already being felt across multiple sectors, from manufacturing to logistics. 'At a time when the rakyat are already grappling with inflation and reduced purchasing power, we urge the Federal Government to defer any expansion of SST until the economy stabilises and international trade tensions ease. 'Instead, the focus should be on revitalising the domestic economy, protecting jobs, and ensuring affordable access to goods and services. Any tax adjustment should only be implemented with clear impact studies and mitigation plans to protect the low- and middle-income groups,' he said. 'Let us not burden the rakyat further in the name of fiscal reform. Economic recovery must be people-centred, and taxation policy must reflect the current realities faced by consumers and businesses alike,' Chan added. Junz Wong Warisan Vice President Datuk Junz Wong has strongly recommended the federal government to reconsider the decision, reminding that the move will impose unnecessary hardship on businesses and consumers, especially in Sabah. In a statement today, Wong questioned the rationale behind implementing such a far-reaching policy with less than three weeks' notice, calling it 'abrupt and confusing.' 'The government must explain why this drastic SST expansion is being rushed through. What is the urgency? Why weren't businesses given more time to adapt? Many don't even know what is taxed at 5%, 10%, or exempted,' said Wong. 'And we all know what happens next as ruthless and clueless merchants will simply apply the highest tax rate across their product range, passing the burden to consumers and families.' He stressed that Sabahans do not support the expansion of the SST regime and called for it to be reviewed immediately. Wong also questioned the fiscal position of Madani government. 'Is our government so cash-strapped that it now needs to extract more money from the people and SMEs?' he asked. 'Malaysians are suffering for years of Covid post effects, yet now rakyat and businesses must now carry the burden.' Wong further warned that Malaysia risks losing its business-friendly reputation in the region. 'This SST regime, combined with already burdensome regulations and tax compliance, is making Malaysia an expensive country to do business in,' he said. 'How do we expect to remain competitive in ASEAN when others are streamlining their systems and lowering costs while we keep adding more layers of taxation and red tape?' He warned that the expansion of SST may discourage foreign direct investments (FDIs) and even lead existing ones to exit Malaysia. 'Investors will think twice. Why stay in Malaysia when doing business here gets costlier and more complicated every year?' he asked. 'With the exit of FDIs, our economy will shrink, unemployment will rise, and inflation will worsen because we'll be forced to import more goods that could have been manufactured locally.' 'What happens to our palm oil, our coffee, our cocoa and other agricultural plantations? Instead of developing downstream industries, we'll go back to exporting raw materials and importing expensive finished goods.' Wong asked the federal government to lay out a long-term economic strategy. 'Madani government must show that they have real vision for Malaysia's future and not just obsessed with taxing businesses and people to fill the coffers?' Wong further questioned the silence of the Sabah GRS-PH government, accusing them of being too busy with issues like political survival, mining and logging to stand up for Sabahans. 'Sabahans are struggling. Small businesses are struggling. But does the GRS-led Sabah government care about Sabahans? 'Enough is enough. The rakyat should not be punished further by policies that are ill-timed, ill-planned. 'You cannot grow the economy by keep taxing it.'
The Star
13-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Consumer group urges govt to defer SST expansion amid economic pressures
KOTA KINABALU: The Federal Government has been urged to postpone the planned expansion of the sales and services tax (SST) so as not to worsen the situation of rising living costs. National Consumer Foundation Malaysia Sabah chapter president David Chan said that in a climate of persistent economic strain, the cost of daily necessities like food and essential services continues to climb. ALSO READ: Expanded SST comes into effect July 1 'Any expansion of SST will inevitably raise business operating expenses, with these additional costs passed on to consumers," he said in a statement on Friday (June 13). "This will intensify the financial pressures already facing households, particularly when wages remain stagnant and job insecurity is growing." Chan added that the recent announcement by PETRONAS to cut 5,000 jobs also reflects the severity of the current landscape. 'Global market instability, driven by ongoing trade tensions and higher import tariffs, especially from the United States, is already impacting Malaysia's economy, from manufacturing to logistics and beyond. ALSO READ: 'Put revised SST on hold' 'At a time when many Malaysians are struggling with inflation and diminished purchasing power, we call on the government to defer any SST expansion until economic conditions improve and global uncertainties stabilise,' he said. Instead, he suggested that the government prioritise domestic economic recovery, safeguard employment, and ensure access to affordable goods and services. 'Any future tax policy changes must be informed by comprehensive impact assessments and accompanied by targeted mitigation strategies to shield low- and middle-income groups,' he said. ALSO READ: Expanded SST impacts essential goods, says Dr Wee He added that the NGO also urged policymakers not to impose additional burdens on the rakyat in the name of fiscal reform. 'Recovery efforts must be people-centric, and taxation policies must reflect the lived realities of consumers and businesses alike,' he said. Under the expanded SST set to take effect on July 1, sales tax is levied on goods manufactured locally and on imported goods. Agricultural produce grown in Malaysia is not subject to sales tax.
The Star
07-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
City Hall urged to reform parking guidelines in Kota Kinabalu
KOTA KINABALU: The Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) and relevant planning authorities are urged to review and reform urban design guidelines to ensure they are inclusive, realistic, and community-friendly. This follows DBKK's recent announcement of enforcement against vehicles parked along roads and public spaces in residential areas. National Consumer Foundation Malaysia (Sabah chapter) chairman David Chan said the city hall should adopt a more practical and empathetic approach to parking issues, especially during festive seasons and family gatherings. He expressed concern over the recent compounding of vehicles in densely populated housing estates, calling it "illogical" and out of touch with reality. "We urge DBKK to consider amending current planning rules. For example, allowing part of the designated 10% open space in housing areas for temporary community parking during peak periods or special events," he said on Saturday (June 7). Chan added that Sabahans are known for their tolerance and understanding, and local authorities should reflect the same values in their policies. "Penalising people during festive or family gatherings sends the wrong message to communities already facing limited parking due to outdated urban layouts. "If we cannot learn to live together with tolerance and practical solutions, it may be easier to live on the moon than in our own neighbourhoods," he said. He emphasised that urban policies should support the people, not punish them, and called for a comprehensive review to better reflect today's needs. In its earlier statement, DBKK said it had received frequent complaints about traffic congestion caused by roadside parking in housing areas. Under the Streets and Public Places By-Laws 1966, offenders risk fines of up to RM500. Residents were reminded to park within their own compounds, as roadside parking could obstruct traffic and block emergency services. DBKK stated that the enforcement is part of efforts to maintain Kota Kinabalu's image as a clean, safe, and orderly city. Public awareness campaigns will continue via social media and other platforms. For further enquiries or complaints, residents may contact the DBKK hotline at 088-521800.
