KUCHING: Sarawak has decided not to impose sales tax on imported tyres.
The good news was announced by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg during the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sarawak (ACCCIS) Chinese New Year (CNY) dinner at Imperial Hotel here last night (Feb 10).
“On the question of State Sales Tax (SST) on tyres, we (Sarawak government) have decided to withdraw (the imposition of) SST. No more payment (of SST).
“But of course, we need to find a way, a formula to collect the (used) tyres (and recycle them) because it is not environmentally friendly,” he said.
Abang Johari then said that based on studies, used tyres can be turned into a type of material for road construction.
“I read it in a journal where they break down the tyres into pallets and this can be used for road construction.
“So what you (ACCCIS) can do is that you can set up a factory to collect all the tyres and you break the old tyres into small pieces, it becomes palettes and use that to build roads,” he said.
Abang Johari added that with such technology to recycle tyres, it is not only good for the environment but also for road construction.
“Therefore, our road will not be bumpy… and this is what I call circular economy.
“Our business community, scientists, researchers must try to think outside the box and add value to whatever we have,” he said.
Earlier, ACCCIS president Datuk Tan Jit Kee said the association had paid a courtesy visit to Premier last month and raised a few issues of concerns gathered from the members and the local business community.
Among the issues raised include the hike in quit rents for commercial and industrial properties; the imposition of SST on imported tyres; the delay in processing the work permits for foreign workers, and the collection of the channel maintenance fee by Kuching Port Authority (KPA).
