
Rosmadi highlights inclusivity in bid to develop creative sector
Published on: Tue, Jul 08, 2025 Text Size: Rosmadi added that Borneo.TV is not merely a streaming service, but a strategic vehicle for developing high-quality human capital in digital broadcasting and content creation. Kota Kinabalu: The State Government has reiterated its policy of inclusivity and collaboration in developing Sabah's creative industry, stressing its readiness to engage with all stakeholders. Chief Coordinating Officer of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Secretariat Datuk Datu Rosmadi Sulai, said the government continues to welcome feedback and participation from all stakeholders in the sector. 'The State Government has always been open to meeting with influencers, industry players and local artistes to discuss issues and explore ways to strengthen the creative industry,' he said in a statement, Monday. He highlighted Borneo.TV as a key platform for local creatives to amplify Sabah's stories, culture and achievements to a global audience. 'Our local talents are a priority and Borneo.TV is a golden opportunity for them to showcase Sabah's identity to the world. This platform should be fully utilised to elevate our voices globally,' he said. Rosmadi added that Borneo.TV is not merely a streaming service, but a strategic vehicle for developing high-quality human capital in digital broadcasting and content creation. 'Through Borneo.TV, Sabah's production companies can step up as content providers and bring our stories to international platforms. This is the time to create high-quality, exportable content.' Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor officially launched Borneo.TV on July 1, carrying the slogan 'Sabah in the Eyes of the World'. The platform aims to deliver authentic, locally rooted digital content through a modern, flexible and globally accessible format. * 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.
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The last amendment was in 2018, which at the time covered only three items, Crude Palm Oil (CPO), Lottery Tickets and Slot Machines,' he said. Since then, six more items have been added to the tax net from 2020 to 2025, Petroleum Products, Fishery Commodities, Scrap Iron Waste, Silica Sand, Palm Oil Biomass, and Gold and Silver mined in Sabah. 'This brings the total to nine taxable products. To date, 386 companies hold SST licences, and collections since 1999 up to 30 June this year amount to RM32.26 billion,' he said. Masidi revealed that when the SST was first collected in 1999, it contributed only RM89 million or seven percent of the State's revenue. However, by 2024, SST revenue had surged more than 3,000 percent to RM3.03 billion, accounting for 44.5 percent of Sabah's total income, with an average collection of RM250 million a month. 'This clearly shows that tax revenue is now a major source of funding to ensure the State's fiscal sustainability and economic growth,' he said, while recording the government's appreciation to taxpayers for their contributions towards Sabah's development. Masidi assured that despite the extensive changes, no new taxes were being introduced. 'I want to make it clear — this amendment does not create new taxes. What we are doing is removing grey areas. In fact, this clarity benefits not only the tax collector but also the taxpayer,' he stressed. Moyog assemblyman Datuk Darell Leiking, however, expressed concern that adjustments to upstream pricing could be passed on by operators and manufacturers to end consumers, indirectly burdening the people. Responding, Masidi explained that the main thrust of the amendments is certainty and transparency. 'With this, businesses can plan better because they know exactly what must be paid and what does not need to be paid. 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Clause 12 seeks to insert new Sections 15A and 15B. Section 15A gives the Director the power to issue a composite assessment notice following a written agreement with a taxable person who failed to submit a return, submitted an incorrect return, or provided any incorrect information affecting State sales tax liability. Section 15B clarifies that an error or technical defect in an assessment, notice, or other document shall not invalidate it, as long as the assessment and document comply with the requirements of the Enactment. Clause 13 seeks to amend Section 16 to determine the time of sale for taxable goods supplied within the State but subsequently removed or delivered outside the State. Clause 14 seeks to amend Section 17 to allow a surcharge to be claimed as a civil debt to the State Government and to limit judicial review of appeals related to excessive or incorrectly assessed tax, penalties, or surcharges. Clause 16 seeks to amend Section 19 to extend liability to the directors of a company, partners of a firm, or members of an association who held their respective positions when the liability arose. Clause 17 seeks to amend Section 21 by inserting a new category of individuals from whom the Director may collect State sales tax or penalties that have become due and payable. Clause 18 seeks to replace Section 22 to improve its content and to provide the Director with an extended period from three years to six years to claim repayment for any refund made in error. Clause 21 seeks to replace Section 26 by expanding the scope of inspection to any building or place as well as any books, documents, records, or items. Clause 22 seeks to insert a new Section 26A to empower the Director or any authorised State sales tax officer to investigate the commission of any offence under the Enactment. Clause 23 seeks to insert a new Section 29A to enable any authorised State sales tax officer to be given access to any recorded information or computer data, whether stored in a computer or otherwise. Clause 25 seeks to amend Section 31 to make it an offence for anyone to refuse or fail to grant access to any recorded information or computer data, and for anyone to impersonate the Director, State Sales Tax Officers, or an authorised State sales tax officer. Clause 26 seeks to amend Section 32 to empower the Director to impose a penalty equal to the amount of State sales tax that has been or will be undercharged due to an incorrect return or information, if no prosecution is initiated. Clause 27 seeks to amend Section 33 by providing civil remedies for the Director to impose a penalty equal to the amount of State sales tax collected by an unauthorised person, where no prosecution has been initiated. Clause 32 seeks to insert a new Part IXA relating to the power to protect revenue in certain transactions. This new Part contains new Sections 50A to 50C. These new sections provide the definition of 'transaction', the power to disregard certain transactions, and the power to substitute prices, disregard structures, and impose surcharges. Clause 33 seeks to replace Section 54 to improve the provision relating to the service of notices. Clause 34 seeks to insert a new Section 54A to empower the Director to order substituted service if satisfied that service of the notice or document cannot be affected as stated under Section 54. Clause 36 seeks to amend Section 58 by allowing any person aggrieved by a decision of the Director to appeal to the State Sales Tax Appeal Board in the prescribed manner. Clause 38 seeks to amend Section 61 regarding the Minister's power to make rules relating to the State Sales Tax Appeal Board.