Latest news with #TanKokLiang
Borneo Post
7 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sabah returns to showcase birding wonders at UK
MOU between Sabah Bird Watchers Association and the World Pheasant Association. From left to right: John Corder (WPA Vice President), Geoffrey Davison (WPA Head of Science Committee), Barbara Ingman (WPA Admin), Ronald Pudin (President of the Sabah Bird Watchers Association) and Tan Kok Liang (Deputy Chairman of Sabah Tourism Board). KOTA KINABALU (July 13): Sabah returns to the Global Bird Fair 2025 with a key milestone, as the Sabah Bird Watchers Association (SBWA) formalises a strategic partnership with the World Pheasant Association through a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU, signed following SBWA's inaugural participation in last year's fair, is expected to open up meaningful opportunities for scientific collaboration, bird conservation programmes, and the hosting of international birding events in Sabah. The Sabah delegation to this year's event, held from 11th to 13th July at Lyndon Top Caravan Park in Rutland, is led by Sabah Tourism Board (STB) deputy chairman Datuk Tan Kok Liang, joined by STB officers and a dynamic team of nature tourism and birding advocates. Representing Sabah under the STB umbrella are prominent industry players including Tabin Wildlife Resort, Borneo Trails, Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Borneo Eco Tours and 1 Stop Borneo. They are joined by representatives from SBWA and the Penampang Tourism Association, strengthening efforts to promote Sabah as a premier birdwatching destination in Southeast Asia. Tan said the singing of MoU demonstrates how active participation in international platforms like the Global Bird Fair can lead to meaningful outcomes for Sabah, particularly in birding tourism. 'This strategic partnership reflects Sabah's serious commitment to biodiversity conservation while strengthening our position as a nature-based tourism hub. 'We are proud to support SBWA's growing role on the global stage, and we welcome future collaboration with the World Pheasant Association that will bring long-term benefits to our environment and rural communities,' he said. Appreciation was also extended to renowned naturalist Quentin Phillipps for facilitating the introduction between the SBWA and WPA, as well as to WPA Vice President John Corder, who visited Sabah earlier this year as part of ongoing engagement efforts. The Global Bird Fair gathers thousands of birdwatchers, nature lovers, and tourism professionals, from around the globe. Last year, the three-day event recorded an estimated 10,000 visitors. The UK alone is home to approximately six million registered birdwatchers, offering Sabah a significant niche market. Royal Brunei Airlines joins STB at Stand S38 in the Swallow Marquee, symbolizing a strategic partnership to provide enhanced flight connectivity for birdwatchers from the UK and beyond. This collaboration aims to ease access to Sabah's lush rainforests and bird-rich habitats. STB chief executive officer Julinus Jeffrey Jimit said birdwatching is one of Sabah's hidden gems, and the state's participation in the Global Bird Fair is a step towards unlocking its full potential on the international stage. 'With over 680 bird species and an incredibly high rate of endemism, Sabah offers a rare opportunity for birders to experience something truly unique. This isn't just birdwatching, it's an immersion into one of the world's richest biodiversity hotspots. 'Our collaboration with Royal Brunei Airlines serves as a strategic move to open Sabah's skies to birders from the UK, Europe, and other international markets. We are making it easier than ever for eco-travellers to discover Sabah's majestic landscapes, indigenous cultures, and its incredible avian treasures. Naturally Inspiring, Beyond Ordinary when Nature meets adventure. 'Sabah is ready. Our partners are passionate, our communities are involved, and our birds are waiting' added Julinus. Sabah's presence at the Global Bird Fair 2025 reflects its ongoing commitment to growing niche tourism segments, promoting sustainable travel, and positioning itself as a must-visit birding destination in the heart of Borneo.
The Star
7 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Sabah makes impact at Global Bird Fair 2025 with new MoU
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is making a significant impact at the Global Bird Fair 2025 with the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Sabah Bird Watchers Association (SBWA) and the World Pheasant Association (WPA). This is a step forward in positioning the state as a premier birdwatching destination. The MoU, signed following SBWA's debut at last year's fair, lays the foundation for scientific collaboration, bird conservation efforts, and the potential hosting of international birding events in Sabah. Leading the delegation is Sabah Tourism Board (STB) deputy chairman Datuk Tan Kok Liang, joined by STB officers and nature tourism advocates. Also representing Sabah are key eco-tourism players such as Tabin Wildlife Resort, Borneo Trails, Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Borneo Eco Tours, and 1 Stop Borneo, along with SBWA and the Penampang Tourism Association. Tan then added in a statement issued on Sunday (July 13) that the partnership highlights the tangible benefits of engaging in global platforms like the Global Bird Fair. 'This MoU reflects Sabah's serious commitment to biodiversity conservation and strengthens our position as a nature-based tourism hub. We are proud to support SBWA's growing international presence and look forward to the long-term impact of this collaboration,' he said. Special appreciation was extended to naturalist Quentin Phillipps for facilitating the introduction and to WPA Vice President John Corder, who visited Sabah earlier this year to further engagement. With over 10,000 visitors annually and six million registered birdwatchers in the UK alone, the fair presents a major niche market opportunity for Sabah. Royal Brunei Airlines joins STB at Stand S38 in the Swallow Marquee, symbolising a strategic effort to improve flight connectivity for birdwatchers travelling to Sabah. STB chief executive officer Julinus Jeffrey Jimit described birdwatching as one of Sabah's hidden gems. 'With over 680 bird species and high endemism, Sabah offers a rare experience for birders. It is not just birdwatching, it is immersion in one of the planet's richest biodiversity hotspots. 'Through our collaboration with Royal Brunei Airlines, we are making Sabah more accessible to eco-travellers from the UK, Europe, and beyond. Naturally Inspiring, Beyond Ordinary, where nature meets adventure. 'Sabah is ready. Our partners are passionate, our communities are engaged, and our birds are waiting,' Jimit added.
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
