Sarawak’s SST Revenue Expected To Reach RM5.3 Billion This Year
KUCHING: Sarawak’s Sales and Service Tax (SST) revenue is expected to reach RM5.3 billion this year, providing clear evidence of the state’s success in asserting and implementing its rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian said the SST, which once faced considerable opposition, has now emerged as one of the state’s key revenue sources, enabling more benefits to be channelled back to the people.
He noted that Sarawak’s SST revenue reached RM3.9 billion last year and is projected to exceed RM5.3 billion this year.
He said this while speaking at the 42nd Anniversary Dinner of the Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Pending Branch and the celebration of SUPP’s 67th anniversary here on Thursday.
Datuk Amar Dr Sim further explained that the revenue generated would ultimately be returned to the people through investments in education, healthcare services and infrastructure development.
He said the achievement did not come about by chance, but was the result of Sarawak’s continuous efforts to safeguard and advance its rights under MA63, including educational autonomy, healthcare autonomy and economic autonomy.
According to him, the growing awareness of MA63 today is the result of the dedication and perseverance of individuals who have long conducted research into historical documents and relevant legal provisions, while also having the courage to bring these claims before the Federal Government. -UKASnews
