Latest news with #SAPA
IOL News
6 days ago
- Health
- IOL News
South Africa launches mass vaccination programme for poultry against avian influenza
The South African Poultry Association (SAPA) and agriculture associations have welcomed the department of Agriculture's decision to roll out the first ever mass vaccination of poultry in the country in order to protect the local flock from avian influenza. Image: File The South African Poultry Association (SAPA) and agriculture associations have welcomed the department of Agriculture's decision to roll out the first ever mass vaccination of poultry in the country in order to protect the local flock from avian influenza. SAPA also confirmed that despite concerns about a salmonella outbreak in the United States, eggs in South Africa remain safe to consume. Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen last week said that their vaccination team, comprised of poultry specialist vets from the University of Pretoria, along with the Agricultural Research Council, has received a list of farms to be vaccinated from the poultry industry and is prioritising high-risk areas and commercial flocks to contain the virus and prevent further culling. 'We have secured vaccine supply, ensured cold chain capacity, and are building in traceability and reporting mechanisms as part of a wider preparedness strategy.' In a statement, SAPA said that they were pleased that Deputy Director-General for Agricultural Production, Biosecurity, and Natural Resources Management, Dipepeneneng Serage, confirmed at the AVI Africa conference that the government will proceed with the vaccination strategy against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Serage highlighted the department's commitment to ensuring that farming can continue safely and sustainably. 'My job is to bring science and legislation together and allow farmers to farm without risking anyone's health, while positioning South Africa as a net exporter of food.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ SAPA said that the government's HPAI vaccination strategy is a controlled, science-based approach that will focus on four key pillars: Controlled Use of Vaccines – Only vaccines registered in South Africa will be used. Sales and distribution will be strictly controlled, and farmers must register and comply with biosecurity and surveillance protocols. Biosecurity – Enhanced on-farm practices will remain critical to preventing disease spread. Traceability – All vaccinated flocks must be trackable to maintain export integrity and health transparency. Surveillance – Ongoing monitoring will ensure early detection and effective management of any outbreaks. Serage said that South Africa is ready to begin vaccinations immediately. 'Three H5 vaccines have been officially registered for use, with an H7 vaccine currently under development. One farm is already under evaluation for compliance and may be the first to begin vaccinations under the new framework. 'We have the data, we know which farms we're starting with — now we have to start.' SAPA said that this move represents a major step forward for biosecurity in South Africa's poultry industry and signals the government's determination to protect both public health and the country's agricultural economy. Francois Rossouw, the CEO of Southern African Agri Initiative (Saai), said that vaccination is a big deal for the poultry industry. 'It can really help cut down on outbreaks, which means less stress and losses for farmers. This is a great way to keep the virus in check, especially in areas where it's a big risk. It'll help protect both big farms and smaller ones.' Rossouw added that by reducing HPAI cases, we can keep production steady and make sure there's enough supply. 'That's key for food security and farmers' livelihoods. I know there are trade concerns with vaccination, but it's all about finding a balance. We need to keep our birds healthy while also chatting with our trade partners about it. It's crucial that vaccination comes with good monitoring and biosecurity measures. We want to make sure everything's managed well. This vaccination move should be part of a bigger strategy to handle avian flu. Ongoing research and teamwork with everyone involved will be super important.' In a separate statement, Dr. Abongile Balarane, CEO: South African Poultry Association (Egg Organisation), said that they take note of the circulating social media posts on Salmonella cases in California in the United States of America. 'We confirm that there are no current Salmonella cases in South Africa that have caused people to be hospitalised. We further confirm that there are currently no confirmed cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird flu) in poultry in South Africa. It is therefore safe to consume eggs and poultry meat.' Balarane added that any cases of Salmonella and Avian influenza in South Africa will be officially reported by the National Department of Health together with the National Department of Agriculture. 'To our knowledge, there are no present Salmonella and Avian influenza cases that have spread to humans in South Africa.
The Citizen
13-06-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Recipe of the day: Egg baked mushroom medley traybake
A hearty vegetarian tray bake that's ready in minutes This simple tray bake is perfect when you want a quick and tasty meal. It's made with a mix of mushrooms, garlic, herbs and eggs baked in large Portobello mushrooms. Serve it hot with toasted French bread to soak up the delicious juices – great for breakfast, lunch or dinner! ALSO READ: Recipe of the day: Beef chilli bowl to beat the cold Egg baked mushroom medley tray bake Ingredients 650g mixed mushrooms 30ml (2 tbsp) olive oil 2 cloves garlic, grated 6-8 sage leaves 1 tsp (5ml) mixed dried herbs 4 large Portobello mushrooms 4 large eggs 150ml cream Seasoning, to taste French bread to serve Method Preheat oven to 200°C. Use a large baking tray. Place mixed mushrooms, olive oil, garlic, a few sage leaves and dried herbs into the baking tray. Place the Portobello mushrooms stalk side up on top, season with salt and black pepper. Bake until mushrooms are tender, about 10 minutes. Remove from oven and gently twist the stalk out of the Portobello mushrooms, return stalks to the pan. Gently crack an egg into each Portobello mushroom, pour over the cream. Return baking tray to oven and cook until the egg white is no longer clear and yolk is cooked to your liking, about 3-5 minutes. Garnish with torn sage leaves. Serve immediately with toasted French bread to soak up all the juices. *This recipe was sourced from The South African Poultry Association (SAPA) Egg baked mushroom medley traybake Author: Ingredients Scale 1x 2x 3x 650g mixed mushrooms 30 ml (2 tbsp) olive oil 2 cloves garlic, grated 6 – 8 sage leaves 1 tsp (5ml) mixed dried herbs 4 large Portobello mushrooms 4 large eggs 150 ml cream Seasoning, to taste French bread, to serve Instructions Preheat oven to 200°C. Use a large baking tray. Place mixed mushrooms, olive oil, garlic, a few sage leaves and dried herbs into the baking tray. Place the Portobello mushrooms stalk side up on top, season with salt and black pepper. Bake until mushrooms are tender, about 10 minutes. Remove from oven and gently twist the stalk out of the Portobello mushrooms, return stalks to the pan. Gently crack an egg into each Portabello mushroom, pour over the cream. Return baking tray to oven and cook until the egg white is no longer clear, and yolk is cooked to your liking, about 3- 5 minutes. Garnish with torn sage leaves. Serve immediately with toasted French bread to soak up all the juices. NOW READ: Recipe of the day: Lemon and herb marinated lamb chops
The Star
12-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Reintroduce flat-rate GST in Sabah, urges accountants association
KOTA KINABALU: The government is being urged to consider reintroducing a simplified Goods and Services Tax (GST). This proposal arises from concerns that the upcoming expansion of the Sales and Services Tax (SST) could burden businesses and consumers, especially in Sabah. The Sabah Association of Professional Accountants (SAPA) suggested a flat-rate GST set at 3% to offer a fairer, more transparent, and efficient taxation model that could ease administrative burdens and reduce cost layering across industries. "We believe a modern GST system, with basic exemptions and simplicity, would better serve Malaysia's fiscal goals while protecting the vulnerable," stated SAPA president Datuk Tan Kok Liang on Thursday (June 12). SAPA expressed concern that the SST expansion, effective July 1, could disproportionately impact Sabah's fragile economy. The inclusion of construction services and commercial property leases under SST could lead to higher project and rental costs, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. "In Sabah, infrastructure gaps and higher logistics costs already affect businesses. Adding tax pressure in areas like construction and shoplot rentals will further discourage investment and growth," said Tan. He noted that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), considered the backbone of the state's economy, risk bearing the brunt of these changes, with higher costs likely passed down to tenants and consumers. Tan acknowledged positive elements in SST, welcoming exemptions such as residential property rentals, basic goods like rice and medicines, and the exclusion of private healthcare for Malaysian citizens. "These are thoughtful measures that protect lower- and middle-income groups from unnecessary financial strain," said Tan, adding that such exemptions demonstrate the government's effort to balance revenue and social protection. The association argues GST offers advantages over SST, including input tax credits that avoid cascading costs, better audit trails, and stronger alignment with international tax standards, crucial for boosting investor confidence. Tan said a simplified GST system could be tailored to Malaysia's needs and implemented without affecting essential goods and services. "A well-designed GST would be more equitable and sustainable in the long term, likely less burdensome to consumers than the current dual-rate SST," he said. SAPA also raised concerns about mandatory e-invoicing, noting many businesses, NGOs, and religious institutions in Sabah may lack the technical capacity or infrastructure to comply. Tan mentioned that a reintroduced GST would incorporate invoice tracking, making a parallel e-invoicing system redundant for compliance purposes. The group urged policymakers to adopt a more inclusive and consultative approach in tax reform discussions, especially considering regional disparities between Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia. "We are ready to work with the government through technical consultations to ensure Sabah's unique economic circumstances are properly represented," Tan said.
Borneo Post
12-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
SAPA: Reintroduce a simplified GST for a fairer, more efficient tax system
Tan Kok Liang KOTA KINABALU (June 12): The Sabah Association of Professional Accountants (SAPA) understands the government's ongoing efforts to broaden Malaysia's tax base and increase revenue collection. However, in light of the recently announced Sales and Services Tax (SST) expansion effective 1 July 2025, SAPA believes there remains an urgent need to consider reintroducing a simplified Goods and Services Tax (GST) as a longer-term solution to achieve efficiency, fairness, and economic sustainability. SAPA acknowledges several positive and balanced elements in the revised SST framework, including: The continued exemption of residential property rentals, which protects homeowners and tenants from additional financial burdens. The decision to apply SST on private healthcare services only to foreign nationals, ensuring that Malaysians — especially those in the B40 and M40 income groups — continue to enjoy tax-free access to essential and urgent medical care. The exclusion of basic necessities such as rice, vegetables and medicines, which helps shield vulnerable communities from inflationary pressures. These targeted exemptions demonstrate the government's intention to balance revenue needs with social protection, and SAPA supports such thoughtful measures. However, SAPA remains concerned that the broader inclusion of construction services and commercial property leases under SST will have disproportionate effects on Sabah, where the business environment is already challenged by higher logistics costs, underdeveloped infrastructure, and geographical fragmentation. Construction services: Taxing this sector will raise overall project costs for both public and private initiatives — affecting commercial development and deterring investment in rural and semi-urban areas. Commercial property leases: The new SST scope covers shoplots, retail outlets, and office spaces — a move that risks escalating rental costs for SMEs, many of which are the backbone of Sabah's economy. This added cost could be passed down to tenants. SAPA calls for the government to consider reintroducing a simplified GST at say a 3% flat rate, with minimal technical complications. GST, which is used in more than 170 countries worldwide, is a more modern and effective consumption tax system. Its advantages include: Eliminating cascading tax effects via input tax credits; Improved transparency and tax audit trails; A broader, more equitable tax base that supports long-term fiscal resilience; Better alignment with international best practices — crucial for attracting foreign investment. Importantly, a lower-rate GST would be less burdensome to consumers than the current dual-rate SST model and can be designed to exclude essential goods and services, similar to the existing SST exemptions.
Borneo Post
03-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Govt urged to reconsider mandatory stamp duty on employment contracts
Tan KOTA KINABALU (June 3): The Sabah Association of Professional Accountants (SAPA) expresses concern over the recent directive by the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN Malaysia) requiring all employment contracts to be stamped in accordance with the Stamp Act 1949. 'While we recognise the importance of legal compliance and revenue collection, SAPA calls on the government to urgently consider exemptions or threshold limits, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs),' said its president, Datuk Tan Kok Liang. He said this policy places additional administrative and financial burdens on businesses — particularly in Sabah, where operating costs are already higher due to logistics, geographic challenges, and a more constrained labour market. 'The move to enforce stamp duty on all employment contracts, regardless of salary level or business size, risks creating unintended pressure on SMEs,' he said in a statement on Tuesday. The key concerns are as follows: Disproportionate impact on SMEs: Unlike large corporations, small businesses operate on tight margins. A blanket enforcement adds to compliance costs without proportional benefit. Administrative Burden: The need to process, submit and pay for stamp duty on every employment contract creates extra red tape, especially for businesses with high staff turnover or seasonal employment. Impact on formalised contracts: Over-regulation in the hiring process may discourage small businesses from formalising contracts thus placing employees in rural and semi-urban Sabah into vulnerable position. SAPA's recommendations: Introduce a Threshold Limit: Exempt employment contracts for positions with monthly salaries below a reasonable threshold (e.g. RM4,000), in line with many other tax relief measures. Provide Full or Partial Exemption for Micro and Small Enterprises: Particularly those with annual revenue below RM500,000 or fewer than 10 employees. Phase Implementation with Outreach: This includes sufficient time to meet up with the new requirements and a new implementation date of 1 January 2026 and approach with education and support will ease compliance. SAPA strongly urges the Ministry of Finance and the Inland Revenue Board to engage with industry stakeholders in Sabah and other less-developed states before blanket implementation. Public policy must consider regional disparities, business realities, and the broader objective of stimulating employment and economic growth. 'We are confident that with constructive dialogue, a balanced policy solution can be achieved that protects both the interests of the government and the resilience of our local business community,' said Tan. He added the Stamp Act must be modernised to reflect current practical realities rather than remaining rooted in outdated and regressive approaches. While its original intent and purpose — to provide legal certainty and protect the interests of contracting parties — remain important, these objectives must be interpreted in the proper context. The Act should not be used in a manner that causes undue inconvenience or serves merely as a revenue-generating tool. In the case of employment contracts, for instance, such agreements have long been executed and honored by both employers and employees without issue. This consistent practice demonstrates mutual respect and understanding of contractual obligations, regardless of whether the documents were stamped. Insisting on strict adherence to outdated requirements, especially where there is no dispute between parties, undermines the spirit of the law and creates unnecessary administrative burdens, he pointed out. 'It is time for a balanced approach — one that preserves the protective function of the Stamp Act but updates its application to align with modern business practices and realities' he said. Previous Article UMS water supply sufficient, says Shahelmey
