Call for GST exemption in agri sector

Tenom: Mamagun Sabah Association (Mamagun) has called on the government to exempt the agriculture sector, especially items and equipment for rice production, from Goods and Services Tax (GST) in the forthcoming tabling of the 2016 Budget.Its President, Rudy Sulaiman Mairi said, the exemption will enable the collection of millions of ringgit of GST to be used to improve the competitiveness of farmers in producing rice.

He added, goods and services used by farmers in ploughing, fertilising, harvesting and machinery usage are listed under GST.

"Mamagun hopes this matter will be considered in the 2016 Budget as the exemption could help the community, especially those who are planting hill rice could produce sufficient food without further financial burden," he said, on Thursday, adding, there's no means for the Mamagun community to avoid the rising cost of living.

Rudy said, only a responsible government such as Barisan Nasional (BN) can make things right so that the people could experience the comfort of living.

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"We are worried when the price of rubber is decreasing, while the palm oil price is fluctuating and the raw material cost which includes fuel are increasing… how can the people live comfortably," he said.

Meanwhile, on the devolution of power which was announced by the Prime Minister recently, Mamagun hoped the State would look into solving the issue of sluggish development, especially in the rural areas.

"Aside from that, we are glad because the State Education Department is the first one to answer the announcement with the implementation of the 90:10 Data Collection Programme on Tuesday which offers education graduates to fill the position of teachers in Sabah.

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"I was made to understand that the response from education graduates was overwhelming while other graduates were also asked to submit their application at the District Education Offices.

"And this shows that the previous notion of Sabah graduates not interested to become teachers is wrong," Rudy said.

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