Latest news with #JonathanChai
The Sun
04-08-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Seamless interstate travel across Borneo
KUCHING: The multibillion-ringgit financing to complete the Sarawak-Sabah Highway – which will bypass Brunei – and to build the trans-Borneo Sarawak-Kalimantan-Nusantara superhighway is expected to transform the socio-economic landscape of Borneo over the next five years. The Sarawak Business Federation, an umbrella body representing hundreds of trade entities, has lauded the federal government for prioritising the vital land links, as announced by the prime minister during the 13MP tabling. Federation secretary-general Datuk Jonathan Chai said the 13MP carries immense significance for Sarawak. 'The plan looks set to transform the Sarawak-Sabah and Sarawak-Kalimantan to Nusantara (new Indonesian capital) landscape in terms of land connectivity. 'The Sarawak-Sabah direct highway will see the road link between the two states enhanced by leaps and bounds, as travellers will enjoy seamless interstate connectivity. 'The upgrading of Sarawak to Kalimantan and onwards to Nusantara will see that region transformed into another massive socio-economic hub for Borneo. Cross-border trade and social relations will see huge surges,' he said in a statement. Chai added that the road links will also act as catalysts for other developments, such as electricity-supply integration across Borneo. The major road projects will be fast-tracked for completion within five years. Currently, commuters travelling by land from Miri, Sarawak to Sabah must pass through Brunei, encountering four immigration and customs checkpoints – each with both Malaysian and Bruneian posts. This means travellers have to stop and scan their passports eight times, often facing long queues and traffic jams at the borders. The proposed Sarawak-Sabah Highway will provide a direct Miri–Sabah link, bypassing Brunei entirely. Putrajaya will fund the highway through a RM7.4 billion package.
Borneo Post
01-08-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
13MP to propel Sarawak's role in energy, infrastructure and industry
Chai says 13MP holds strategic significance on multiple fronts, starting with the energy transition agenda. KUCHING (Aug 1): The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) is a forward-looking national development framework that emphasises equitable growth and regional inclusivity. According to Sarawak Business Federation (SBF) secretary-general Dato Jonathan Chai, for Sarawak, this plan holds strategic significance on multiple fronts, starting with the energy transition agenda. 'The continued development of the Sarawak Hydrogen Hub and the inter-regional power grid connection to Peninsular Malaysia reflects Sarawak's central role in driving the country's sustainable energy ambitions. 'This not only unlocks high-value investments, but also positions Sarawak as a regional leader in green technology and clean energy,' he said in a statement. Secondly, he said the 13MP would prioritise major infrastructure upgrades in Sarawak. 'Key projects such as the Trans Borneo Highway, Pan Borneo Sabah and Sarawak Highway, and the upgrade of border connectivity with Kalimantan, Indonesia, are designed to boost regional integration, support cross-border trade, and enhance logistical connectivity. 'These developments will stimulate the local economy and improve the movement of people and goods.' Thirdly, he said Sarawak should stand to benefit from industrial and maritime expansion. 'Under 13MP, the federal government is committed to strengthening the shipbuilding and ship repair (SBSR) industry and enhancing biodiesel blending facilities in Bintulu,' he said. 'These initiatives align with Sarawak's own industrialisation strategy and provide a foundation for job creation and upskilling.' 13MP energy infrastructure Jonathan Chai
Borneo Post
11-07-2025
- Science
- Borneo Post
Chinese schools in Sarawak may allow voluntary DLP testing, says association head
Chai speaks to reporters when met during a recent visit to SJKC Chung Hua Batu 11 in Matang recently. KUCHING (July 11): Chinese primary schools (SJKC) in Sarawak are considering allowing their pupils to sit for the Dual Language Programme (DLP) assessment on a voluntary basis, despite not being officially included in the national programme. Association of Aided Chinese Primary Schools in Kuching, Samarahan and Serian Divisions president, Datuk Jonathan Chai, said the proposal is being explored as a means to gauge pupils' academic performance in Science and Mathematics. However, he cautioned that the results may not be fully representative. 'Since SJKC schools are not included in the DLP, any results obtained would serve more as an internal benchmark,' he said during a site visit to SJKC Chung Hua Batu 11 in Matang recently. Chai said that SJKC pupils may be allowed to take the test voluntarily within their own schools for self-assessment purposes. However, he added, full participation in the DLP would require formal approval from the Federal Education Ministry. 'At present, we continue using Mandarin as the primary medium of instruction for Science and Mathematics, as it remains the most effective approach for the majority of our students,' he noted. Chai also noted a shifting demographic, stating that approximately 40 per cent of pupils in SJKC schools now come from non-Chinese backgrounds, prompting a re-evaluation of the current language policy. While no final decision has been made, the association is actively engaging with stakeholders, including parents, educators and the broader community. 'We are also closely monitoring the outcomes of DLP assessments being carried out in national schools (SK),' he said. 'If those results show substantial improvement in students' performance, it may influence our next steps,' he added. Chai also remarked that earlier attempts to roll out DLP nationwide were hindered by inadequate preparation and support. 'If we're serious about improving English standards, we need to address the root cause – teacher capability,' he said. 'Short-term language programmes are insufficient. Effective language teaching requires long-term investment and properly-trained educators,' he stressed. While remaining cautious, the association remains open to initiatives that can enhance young learners' proficiency in English, without undermining their understanding of core subjects like Science and Mathematics.
Borneo Post
17-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Expanded SST seen as fairer tax reform, but concerns remain over inflation and compliance
The expanded Sales and Service Tax (SST) kicking in on July 1 is seen as a fairer tax framework . — Malay Mail photo KUCHING (June 17): The expanded Sales and Service Tax (SST) kicking in on July 1 is seen as a fairer tax framework compared to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) especially for lower-income groups. Unlike the broad-based GST, the revised SST is more targeted and excludes most essential goods. Instead, it introduces a five to 10 per cent tax on selected luxury items such as imported seafood, high-end electronics, and private healthcare or education. Sarawak Business Federation (SBF) secretary-general Dato Jonathan Chai said this structure is a step in the right direction. 'By exempting essential items, the revised SST framework aims to protect vulnerable groups and minimise the regressive nature of indirect taxes,' he told The Borneo Post. Similarly, National Consumer Action Council (MTPN) Sarawak chairman Wynson Ong echoed the view, stating that this system better protects vulnerable groups while balancing the government's fiscal needs. 'From a consumer standpoint, this system can help reduce the tax impact on essential items, thereby protecting low-income groups. 'While every taxation system has its own structure and objectives, we believe the ultimate goal must be to strike a balance between national revenue needs and the public's ability to spend reasonably. 'This helps ensure that daily necessities remain affordable and are not affected by taxation. This approach reflects concern for the public's cost of living while maintaining the country's fiscal responsibility,' said Ong. Datuk Jonathan Chai However, Chai cautioned that the expanded SST will still exert some inflationary pressure on consumer prices, particularly on selected non-essential goods and services now included under the new coverage, namely leasing, construction, finance, private healthcare, education and beauty. He said that these effects may not be immediately obvious but could accumulate over time, especially in sectors where services are now being taxed. In stating this, he stressed that the effectiveness of this approach depends heavily on clear implementation and transparent communication. 'Uncertainty around which goods and services are taxed can create confusion among both consumers and businesses. 'Therefore, we urge the government to provide clearer guidance and continuously review the list of taxable items to ensure it remains relevant and fair,' he said. Chai also raised concerns about the compliance burden on small and micro businesses especially in Sarawak. 'Many small and micro businesses in Sarawak operate with limited resources and are still recovering from post-pandemic challenges. 'While the grace period is welcomed, the compliance costs and administrative burden of transitioning to the expanded SST framework remain a concern for them,' he said. As such, SBF recommends raising the SST registration threshold from RM500,000 to RM2 million for affected sectors like rental, leasing, finance and beauty services. This would exempt more micro businesses and give them space to grow. SBF also urged the government to conduct outreach programmes to help businesses adjust to the new framework. In addition, Chai said clear enforcement is vital to prevent opportunistic price hikes. 'We recommend that the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living strengthen its enforcement and monitoring mechanisms to ensure that price adjustments are justifiable and not opportunistic,' he said. He also noted that some goods and services now taxed are used by the B40 group which could contradict the tax's aim of protecting vulnerable households. Public awareness campaigns, he added, are crucial to help consumers understand what falls under SST and to discourage unjustified price increases. SBF further proposed creating more platforms for industry dialogue with policymakers to clarify grey areas in the tax regime and reduce compliance risks. 'This would not only reduce ambiguity but also help mitigate compliance risks and potential consumer backlash,' he said. Wynson Ong On the ground, Ong noted that traders in Sarawak are gradually adjusting to the new system and have shown a positive attitude in complying with current regulations. 'That said, rural businesses still need stronger technical support and clearer guidance to ensure that this transition take place fairly and inclusively,' he said. He further said MTPN will continue to monitor the rollout to ensure traders don't exploit the tax by hiking prices unfairly. Meanwhile, Kenanga Investment Bank Bhd (Kenanga Research) also welcomed the targeted nature of the revised SST in a recent research note. The research house believe the changes are strategically designed to shield most Malaysians from higher tax burdens especially during uncertain economic times at a macro level. The house highlighted that the exemptions on business-to-business transactions, such as in construction, leasing and finance, would help reduce the cascading tax effect. This avoids compounding effect on the SST costs as the goods go through the supply chain, it said. However, the research house noted that the sales tax on industrial machinery has increased to five per cent, which could affect capital investments. Furthermore, newly taxed discretionary items include king crab, salmon, cod, truffle mushrooms, imported fruits, essential oils, silk fabrics and industrial equipment. Beauty services will also now be taxed at 8 per cent for providers earning RM500,000 or more annually. All told, analysts with the firm expects limited impact on consumer-focused businesses. GST National Consumer Action Council sarawak business federation SST
Borneo Post
25-05-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Chai urges government to provide AEDs in Sarawak schools for emergency readiness
Chai practices hands-on CPR during the emergency procedure training. KUCHING (May 25): All schools across Sarawak should be equipped with Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to handle emergencies, said Datuk Jonathan Chai. The Association of Boards of Management of Chung Hua Primary Schools (SJKCs) in Kuching, Samarahan and Serian Divisions president stressed that this medical equipment should serve as the first line of defence to promote safety within schools. 'The government should provide AED for every school in the state so that we will be able to respond quickly in emergencies,' he said during a seminar yesterday aimed at promoting safety awareness among teachers. More than 180 teachers from 36 SJKCs in Kuching, Samarahan, Serian and Bau took part in the event, which sought to educate them about AED usage and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills. Chai stressed that teachers are not just educators but also protectors, making it important for them to acquire life-saving skills and emergency know-how. Jointly organised by the association and the Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC) Kuching branch, the seminar aimed to train participants with CPR techniques and the proper AED use. 'These skills may appear to have nothing to do with the daily teaching obligation but play a key role in saving lives when faced with emergencies,' he explained, noting that the event aimed to ensure teachers could serve as first responders in an emergency. Chai extended appreciation to the MRC Kuching branch for its knowledge-sharing and skills-demonstration, highlighting their spirit of caring and saving lives. He also thanked all headmasters, headmistresses and teachers for contributing to the seminar's success. 'We will continue to organise similar seminars or programmes to promote health and safety among our teachers,' Chai affirmed. Political secretary to the Premier Kho Teck Wan represented Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian to officiate at the seminar. Automated External Defibrillators Jonathan Chai lead schools
