Don't force new rules in Labuan: Chamber

Labuan: The Labuan Chinese Chamber of Commerce (LCCC) has appealed to Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Mansor to advise government agencies to not "forcefully" implement new rules, especially business-related ones, in Labuan without advance briefing to the chambers.Thanking Tengku Adnan and Chief Secretary of the Ministry Datuk Adnan Md. Ikshan for meeting the chambers for a dialogue despite the short notice and their tight schedule, LCCC Chairman Datuk Wong Kii Yii who led a 12-member delegation said:

"Labuan is still a kampung city compared to Kuala Lumpur or Putrajaya and because of the difference new government rules that may work and be acceptable in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya when implemented here could cause hardship and aggravate the economic woes of the island."

He suggested that a study he made before the new rules are applied here and preferably after a grace period of two or three years.

"Let the Labuan economy pick up first," said Wong.

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Citing an example, he said the services provided by IWK are good for the island as it would ensure efficient sewerage management but the charges for the services should be "reasonable and fair."

Wong also noted that although most government departments in Labuan have a director, the powers are still vested in Putrajaya.

"Some powers should be delegated to the local director as being in Labuan he is in better position to make decisions on the spot and settle matters. Without such powers, there are always delays in making decisions which affect the business community," he said.

On tourism, Wong said government agencies should support the chamber in playing a leading role in promoting tourism without the need for various approvals which "placed Labuan at a disadvantage."

Meanwhile, during the launching of the Labuan Economic Blueprint 2030 by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak here recently, the term of all 27 Ketuas Kampung was renewed and extended by two years.

The letters of appointment were presented by Tengku Adnan.

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Normally the term of Ketuas Kampong is two years but when their term expired last year the extension was merely for six months, resulting in even Member of Parliament Datuk Rozman Isli being upset about it since nothing much could be done during a short period by the village chiefs. Labuan village chiefs are paid a monthly allowance of RM900.

One of them from Sungai Kaling, Seah Kiat Leong, said he would use his position to seek more funds to upgrade the infrastructure. - Sohan Das

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