ACCCIS urges review of FWTA fees, diesel subsidy policy to ease business costs

Abang Johari (centre) receives a memorandum from ACCCIS outlining key business concerns, including FWTA fees, the diesel subsidy mechanism and social issues affecting the business community. Photo credit: Ukas

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, July 14: The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sarawak (ACCCIS) has urged the Sarawak government to review Foreign Workers Transformation Approach (FWTA) fees, strengthen efforts against illegal online gambling and drug abuse, and improve the Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS).

According to a statement, the concerns were raised with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg during a courtesy call at the Satria Pertiwi Complex in Petra Jaya today.

Led by ACCCIS president Kong Chiong Ung, the delegation presented a memorandum outlining the business community’s concerns and recommendations on issues affecting businesses and Sarawak’s socio-economic development.

On the FWTA, ACCCIS said it supports the government’s efforts to digitalise foreign worker management but urged a review of the application fee structure, saying the current charges have increased costs for businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

The chamber also raised concerns over illegal online gambling and drug abuse, saying both threaten public safety, workforce productivity and young people’s future. It called for stronger enforcement, public awareness and closer collaboration between the government, businesses and the community to tackle the issues.

On the implementation of the SKDS diesel subsidy mechanism, ACCCIS said the existing subsidy quota does not adequately reflect Sarawak’s vast geographical landscape, longer travelling distances and challenging operating environment.

It noted that sectors such as construction, agriculture, logistics and services continue to face higher operating costs, while many legitimate commercial vehicles remain excluded from the subsidy scheme.

The chamber urged the Sarawak government to engage the federal government to review the diesel subsidy quota and application mechanism, and adopt a more flexible approach that reflects Sarawak’s needs.

Responding to the issues raised, Abang Johari assured the delegation that the Sarawak government would give due consideration to the matters highlighted.

He said the State government would review the FWTA fee mechanism, continue tackling illegal gambling and drug abuse, and had raised Sarawak’s diesel subsidy concerns with the federal government.

The Premier also agreed to allocate RM1.5 million to the Bintulu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry to establish the Bintulu Innovation and Enterprise Hub to support business development, innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly among SMEs.

Also present were ACCCIS president Kong Chiong Ung, vice-presidents Dato Tan Jit Kee and Datuk Wee Kok Hui, secretary-general Dato Chai Voon Tok, deputy secretary-general Andy Yek Hock Siang, treasurer Noel Yek Nae Shiuan, council member Ling Kie King, and Bintulu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry committee member Jacky Yong Ka Yein. — DayakDaily