STATE opposition leader Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh (PSB-Bawang Assan) wants to know whether Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) has paid in full the sales tax accruing from the oil and gas business in 2021.
He said Sarawak’s budget touted an estimated revenue of RM10.036 billion for 2022 and an expected expenditure of RM10.646 billion.
“The state’s Budget 2022 was therefore expected to incur a deficit of RM610 million. Among the assumptions that were stated as one of the bases in the formulation of the budget was a RM3.876 billion State Sales Tax on Oil & Gas productions derived in the state. RM3.876 billion is a very significant amount.”
He said this in his debate on the motion of thanks to the Head of State’s address at the DUN sitting on Monday (May 23).
“Have we given Petronas any reduction in the rates of SST as what was stated in the Joint Agreement between the State government and Petronas on May 8, 2020, that the SST rates would be reduced in phases?”, he asked.
Wong also probed into issues pertaining to the Development Bank of Sarawak (DBOS).
“How much of Sarawak’s reserves, stated to be anywhere between RM30 – RM31 billion or part thereof, has been deposited with DBOS?
hat are the so-called strategic infrastructure projects in the state that DBOS had extended financing to and how much?
Has DBOS, after four years of operation, been able to contribute to the state coffers via payment of dividends and interest on the deposits placed with the bank by the state government?
“Obviously, money that comes out of the Reserve Fund and deposited with DBOS must not be recognised as part of our Reserve Fund because any money deposited with DBOS cannot be recalled with short notice as funds with DBOS have been lent out as loans. Unlike with other commercial banks, money from the Reserve Fund deposited with them can be recalled anytime with short notice,” Wong added.
