Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce Sabah Women Entrepreneurs Committee vice chairman, Yong Hui Sun.
KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Sabah has commended the state government’s decision to amend the State Sales Tax (SST) Ordinance, calling it a vital step toward creating a more transparent and investor-friendly business environment.
The legislative amendment, tabled at the recent State Assembly sitting on Tuesday (July 8), aims to clarify taxation provisions, simplify appeals processes, and enhance enforcement.
These changes, according to MCCC Sabah Women Entrepreneurs Committee vice chairman Yong Hui Sun, will significantly strengthen legal certainty for businesses operating in Sabah.
She stressed that under the leadership of MCCC Sabah president Datuk Dexter Lau, the Chamber has consistently advocated for fair and practical policies that support business growth.
“Unclear rules and inconsistent enforcement raise operating costs and erode investor confidence.
“The government’s efforts to provide clearer tax guidelines and strengthen appeal mechanisms will make Sabah a more competitive and attractive destination for investment,” she said in a statement on Wednesday.
She added that a fair and transparent taxation system is a strategic economic tool, particularly as Sabah competes for regional investment.
“We fully support Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun’s focus on eliminating grey areas. Legal certainty does not just help tax officers, as it also gives businesses the confidence to invest long-term,” she said.
The Chamber noted that the amendment reflects the state government’s willingness to listen to business concerns and to foster constructive policy dialogue, which she described as a sign of healthy governance.
Yong also highlighted the importance of engagement and follow-through, calling for the government to conduct more training for enforcement officers and to organise briefings and dialogue sessions to help the business community understand and implement the changes.
“We have seen before how well-meaning laws can fall short if enforcement is uneven or the rules are not well communicated. For small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and women entrepreneurs, predictability in taxation is critical. Ambiguity often hurts smaller businesses the most,” she pointed out.
The Chamber sees the move not just as a legal improvement but as a broader signal of the state’s commitment to building a competitive and inclusive economic ecosystem.
“Only with fair and transparent systems can businesses feel secure about investing in Sabah’s future.
“When the government and civil society work hand in hand, we can push Sabah toward sustainable and high-quality growth,” Yong said.
