KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has been invited to launch the 77th Annual General Meeting of Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM), which will be held at Pullman Hotel here on July 8.
ACCCIS president Datuk Tan Jit Kee led a delegation on Monday (Jan 9) to present the invitation letter to Abang Johari on behalf of ACCCIM.
“ACCCIM was founded on July 2, 1921. It is the earliest national chamber of commerce to have had a complete regional representation across the country.
“Currently, ACCCIM has 17 constituent members located throughout the 13 states and federal territories of Malaysia. To date, it has over 100,000 direct and indirect memberships from all constituent members, including Malaysian Chinese-owned companies, individuals and trade guilds and associations,” Tan explained.
“Being one of the 17 constituent members of ACCCIM, ACCCIS has been entrusted by ACCCIM to organise ACCCIM’s national AGM in Kuching.
“Over 500 delegates are expected to attend,” disclosed Tan, who is also ACCCIM vice-president.
Apart from extending the invitation to Abang Johari, a few issues of concerns gathered from ACCCIS members and the local business community were also raised during the visit.
The issues included State Sales Tax imposed on the imported tyres, collection of channel maintenance fees by Kuching Port Authority pending the completion and handover of the dredging project, cement shortage encountered in the southern region previously resulting in penalties imposed against contractors and developers over the delay of projects, delay in processing of work permits of foreign workers and the recent hike in quit rent.
Tan said ACCCIS was pleased that Abang Johari was receptive to the issues raised and he had instructed Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian to follow up and resolve the matters with the respective departments.
“It was a fruitful meeting with the Premier. Every issue raised was given attention and positive feedback. ACCCIS will continue to work closely with the Sarawak government and agencies for the common good of our economy,” said Tan.
