State budget more practical, holistic — Tawau chamber
TAWAU: The Chinese Chamber of Commerce Tawau views the first State Budget announcement by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal as more practical and holistic for the community.
Its president Chia Seong Fatt said it shows the government’s commitment to repay its debts as the state government has to tighten its belt by cutting development expenditures.
He said although this will affect certain allocation on administrative and development, the RM15-million increase for education is in line with the state government’s policy and objective to benefit Sabahans in education for the future generation.
“It is the right move and the state government is seen as being prudent in handling its expenses.
“Overall it is a good budget despite its limitations,” he said yesterday.
Chia said the budget will be beneficial to Sabah’s economy and agriculture sector as the allocation is still relatively high compared to other sectors.
“I think it needs more SMEs and upstream especially in the fruit sectors,” he said.
Chia added more focus should be placed on tropical fruits as there is a big overseas market, especially China.
“Channel more allocations and resources. It is good to have opportunity for the China market and for export as it will capture foreign exchange,” he said.
On seafood exports, he said the government should encourage finished products from manufacturing by waiving the five per cent tax in order to give incentives to SMEs to build up processing facilities or plants to go downstream.
“This will produce a bigger market, more employment and encourage SMEs. I feel the tax should only apply to raw seafood products such as frozen seafood, which will be fair,” he said.
He also said the state government should supervise, guide and monitor funds utilised, with government offices playing important roles.