Musa says efforts to increase revenue collection, particularly through the State Sales Tax, will continue to be intensified through strict legislative compliance and enforcement to curb revenue leakages. – Malay Mail photo
KOTA KINABALU (April 23): The Sabah government continues to demonstrate strong financial performance, with total revenue collection exceeding RM6 billion for three consecutive years since 2022.
In this regard, efforts to increase revenue collection, particularly through the State Sales Tax (SST), will continue to be intensified through strict legislative compliance and enforcement to curb revenue leakages, said Head of State Tun Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Aman.
He added that collaboration with strategic partner agencies is also being strengthened to optimise revenue collection from products subject to SST.
Musa said the role of state government-linked companies (GLCs) is being further enhanced, with encouragement to explore new economic areas such as renewable energy, logistics, tourism and artificial intelligence (AI).
“These efforts are in line with the state government’s aspiration to diversify revenue sources, enhance economic competitiveness, and ensure sustainable, high impact state development,” he said when opening the 17th Sabah State Legislative Assembly sitting here.
Musa also commented on ongoing geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which he said could indirectly impact the global economy, including Malaysia.
“This situation is expected to place inflationary pressure on the prices of essential goods and food supplies following rising oil costs and increased international logistics expenditure.
“In facing this uncertainty, I call on all parties to remain calm and practice prudent spending,” he said.
He added that in light of external challenges, the state government will continue to strengthen proactive measures to ensure development plans are implemented efficiently and effectively.
“These efforts are important to safeguard the wellbeing of the people, strengthen the resilience of the state economy and ensure continued stability,” he said.
Musa also said that planned development initiatives would not succeed without the support and cooperation of all parties.
“The time has come for us to unite, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or political beliefs, to work together in developing this state with full responsibility, for the sake of shared progress and prosperity,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to civil servants, security forces and all parties involved in maintaining the state’s security, peace and stability.
“It is this kind of commitment and dedication that serves as the pillar in ensuring the state development agenda can be implemented as planned,” he said.
