Chong to press federal ministers over Bintulu Port delay, airport upgrade, tax refunds in Parliament
KUCHING (July 16): Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen will be seeking clarification from the Transport Minister on the delay in the Sarawak government's takeover of the Bintulu Port Authority in the upcoming Dewan Rakyat session.
The delay and steps being taken to expedite the process are among the 10 questions Chong submitted for the question and answer session in Parliament.
Among the other questions is for the Transport Minister whether the government plans to upgrade and expand the Kuching International Airport under the 13th Malaysia Plan.
'If so, what budget has been allocated and when the project will begin.
'Another question is to request for the Finance Minister to give a detailed explanation on the total amount owed by the government to taxpayers in overdue tax refunds, the reasons for the delays and the timeframe for repayment,' he said in a statement.
Chong, who is Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman, will also seek a reply from the Prime Minister on whether Malaysia would consider adopting Singapore's e-invoicing model.
Under that system, e-invoicing is mandatory only for business-to-government (B2G) transactions, while business-to-business (B2B) transactions are encouraged but not compulsory – a policy that could reduce the cost burden on small businesses in Malaysia.
Medical insurance premium hikes were another concern to be raised by Chong, who will query the Finance Minister on what actions the government has taken to address the sharp increase in medical insurance premiums, and the effectiveness of those actions.
He will also ask the Home Minister to explain the Royal Malaysia Police's actions in curbing the rapid spread of illegal online gambling outlets operating behind the façade of convenience stores and coffee shops, and whether these measures have proven effective. Bintulu Port Chong Chieng Jen parliament
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