RM1 million allocated for MD2 pineapple project in Sabah
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup stated that Phase 1 of the project covers six hectares with 250,000 pineapple vines, benefiting 695 participants. 'The first harvest is expected in 12 to 15 months, supporting community-based economic development in rural Sabah,' he said.
Originally, SLDB planned oil palm cultivation in the area, but unsuitable soil conditions led to a shift towards pineapple farming. Arthur highlighted that the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) is exploring collaboration opportunities to establish a pineapple industry in Sook.
Additionally, a group-based MD2 pineapple project in Kampung Sakikilo involves 42 families under the Sook Area Farmers' Organisation (PPK). LPNM will provide expertise and monitoring support to ensure project success.
Arthur added, 'We aim to make Sook a new economic hub for Sabah's interior districts,' with 5,000 pineapple vines, fertiliser, and farming equipment already distributed to kickstart the initiative. - Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
4 hours ago
- The Sun
Clearing doubts on rental and leasing service tax
EFFECTIVE July 1, 2025, rental and leasing services have become subject to an 8% service tax under Group K, First Schedule of the Service Tax Regulations (STR) 2018. This marks a significant expansion of the service tax regime, impacting a wide range of businesses engaged in leasing or renting tangible assets in Malaysia. Who is affected All persons providing rental or leasing services, excluding the Federal Government, State Governments and Local Authorities, will be liable for service tax once their annual taxable turnover exceeds the registration threshold. The threshold, initially set at RM500,000, has now been revised upward to RM1 million over a 12-month period. Rental or leasing services refer to any arrangement (written or verbal) in which one party grants another the right to use a tangible asset for a specified period. What services are taxable Taxable rental and leasing services include renting or leasing tangible assets located in Malaysia to both local and overseas customers; providing rental services that include maintenance, repairs or other related services; rental of animals or plants; importing rental or leasing services from overseas and operating leases. The list is not exhaustive and covers any rental or leasing service integral to the arrangement between a registered person and their customer. What services are not taxable The following rental or leasing services fall outside the scope of service tax, namely, rental or leasing of housing accommodations (e.g. terrace houses, apartments, bungalows, condominiums, serviced suites, etc.); rental of reading materials; rental or leasing of assets located outside Malaysia; rental or leasing services between Special Areas or Designated Areas (e.g. free zones); financial leasing services, which involve the transfer of asset ownership at the end of the lease. Exemptions Several exemptions are available under the revised framework: • Government-related Services: The Federal Government and State Governments are exempted from both charging and paying service tax. Local Authorities are also granted an exemption from charging and paying service tax, but only for the period from July 1, 2025 to Sept 30, 2025. Effective Oct 1, 2025, any services provided or acquired by local authorities will be subject to service tax. • Business-to-Business (B2B) Subleasing: Under the Service Tax Order (Persons Exempted from Payment of Tax) 2018, registered persons under Group K who sublet or sublease the same type of taxable service (not for personal use) may qualify for exemption, provided certain conditions are met. Where the premises are sublet or sublease partially, the exemption applies solely to the sublet or sublease portion. In cases where no sublet or sublease takes place during a taxable period, the business must self-account and declare the service tax accordingly. • Micro and Small Enterprises: Businesses with an annual turnover below RM1 million renting from registered persons may enjoy an exemption, subject to specified conditions. One key condition is that the tenant must submit a declaration and register via the MyPMK system developed by the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD). [Subsection 34(3) Service Tax Act (STA) 2018] • Non-reviewable Contracts (contracts without price revision clause): Exemption for a transitional period of one (1) year [July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026], subject to prescribed conditions. Services provided from July 1, 2026 onwards are subject to service tax. [Subsection 34(3) STA 2018] • Group Relief: Rental or leasing services provided by one company to another within the same corporate group may qualify for group relief, whereby such services are exempted from service tax, subject to conditions. • Exemption from Compound, Prosecution and Penalty (until Dec 31, 2025): Businesses may be eligible for an exemption from compound, prosecution and penalty for certain offences committed up to Dec 31, 2025. The offences covered under this exemption include late registration, late submission of returns, late payment, incorrect declarations (such as under-declaration or underpayment), as well as errors related to invoices, credit notes or debit notes. This exemption is subject to specific conditions. Transitional provisions For lease or rental agreements spanning before and after July 1, 2025, only the portion of services provided from July 1, 2025 onwards will be subject to service tax. Advance payments made prior to this date for post- July 1, 2025 services will not be taxed. Administrative responsibilities For new registrants, total taxable turnover must be assessed over a rolling 12-month period (current month and next 11 months). If the total exceeds RM1 million, registration is mandatory by the end of the following month. Registered persons must charge and collect service tax on taxable services; issue invoices as prescribed under the STA 2018; submit SST-02 returns electronically and pay service tax by the due date; maintain proper records for seven years. Those already registered under other taxable services must update their registration to include Group K (rental or leasing services). Accounting for service tax Service tax must be accounted for upon receiving payment; or after 12 months from the date of service provision if payment is not received, whichever comes first. For imported services, tax is due upon receipt of invoice or payment made, whichever occurs earlier. Sector-Specific Changes Several key updates have been made to rental-related services across different categories: • Rental of Space: Effective July 1, 2025, rental of space previously under Group B has now been reclassified under Group K. • Passenger Vehicle Rentals: Services such as hire and drive car rentals, charter bus services and excursion bus services, previously under Group I, will also fall under Group K. • Licensing Requirements Removed: Effective July 1, 2025, the requirement to be licensed under the Land Public Transport Act 2010, the Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board Act 1987 or the Tourism Vehicles Licensing Act 1999 is no longer a condition for liability to register. Any person providing hire and drive car services, charter bus services or excursion bus services must register for service tax if the value of such services exceeds the prescribed threshold. • Hire Car Services: These will no longer be considered taxable services effective July 1, 2025. Additional clarifications • Refundable Deposits: Not subject to service tax unless it forms part of the payment. • Penalties for Late Payment of Rental: These are not considered a provision of taxable services and therefore not subject to service tax. What Should Businesses Do Businesses involved in rental or leasing services should reassess their taxable turnover in light of the revised RM1 million threshold. Those meeting the criteria must register under the STA 2018 and begin complying with invoicing, filing and payment obligations. This article is contributed by Tax at ThinkTx Consultants Sdn Bhd executive director Pugaleshwaran Raja Kumaran and associate director Steffi Manisha Arokiam.
The Sun
5 hours ago
- The Sun
Pahang targets 50k visitors, RM1.2m sales at Mini MAHA 2025
KUANTAN: The Pahang government is gearing up for the inaugural Mini MAHA Pahang 2025, setting ambitious targets of 50,000 visitors and RM1.2 million in sales. The four-day event, scheduled from Aug 14 to 17 at Dataran Temerloh, will spotlight over 100 local agropreneurs and innovations in agriculture, livestock, and fisheries. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail highlighted the expo's role in boosting food security and modern farming. 'Mini MAHA will empower Pahang's agro-food sector while giving local entrepreneurs national exposure,' he said after attending the 'Moh Kendurian 3.0' event in Kampung Mahkota. Organised with 30 agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the event will feature 60 programmes. Highlights include the 'Pahang Berselawat and Forum Perdana', a Fruit Fest, and the launch of 'Pahang Best' products, including Beras Pahang (Pahang Rice). A petting zoo and livestock showcase with sado cattle, wagyu beef, and balau buffalo will also draw crowds. Wan Rosdy noted that Mini MAHA will alternate with the national MAHA to prevent scheduling conflicts. He hopes the event will encourage youth participation in modern agriculture, reinforcing Pahang's position as a key national food producer under the 'Pahang 1st' initiative. - Bernama
The Sun
6 hours ago
- The Sun
15,000 Sarawak students receive special financial aid for higher education
KUCHING: A total of 15,000 applications for the Special Financial Aid for Sarawak Students in Institutions of Higher Learning (IPTs) have been approved, with some recipients already receiving the assistance. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof confirmed the approvals in a Facebook post today, stating that payments will be distributed in stages to remaining beneficiaries. The aid programme, launched by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in Kuala Lumpur, is set to benefit 42,000 students with an allocation of RM50.5 million. Fadillah highlighted that the initiative provides RM1,200 in pocket money to all Sarawakian students in IPTs, regardless of family income. 'This reflects the Sarawak Government's commitment to ensuring no student is left behind due to financial constraints,' he said. The aid aims to ease parents' financial burdens while helping students manage daily expenses. In addition to the pocket money assistance, the state government is rolling out other support measures, including free laptops and book vouchers for students from low-income families. The Sarawak Graduates Return Initiative (IGPS), offering a RM300 flight ticket subsidy twice a year, is also available. Fadillah expressed gratitude to the Sarawak Premier for approving the aid, emphasising its role in inclusive development. 'These initiatives stem from Sarawak's sustainable economic policy, translating state revenue into direct welfare benefits,' he said. - Bernama
