Latest news with #SimKiangChiok
Borneo Post
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Reject political narratives undermining Sarawak autonomy, says SUPP man
Sim voices concerns over recent actions by Malayan-based parties, particularly the DAP and PKR, which he said cast doubt on their commitment to Sarawak's rights. KUCHING (May 9): The Sarawak United Peoples' Party (SUPP) Stakan Branch has urged Sarawakians to stay vigilant against political narratives that appear to prioritise Peninsular Malaysia's interests over Sarawak's autonomy and development. The branch's chairman, Datuk Sim Kiang Chiok, voiced concerns over recent actions by Malayan-based parties, particularly the Democratic Action Party (DAP) and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), which he said cast doubt on their commitment to Sarawak's rights. He pointed out that the situation is becoming increasingly apparent as Sarawak DAP continues to criticise Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, while PKR repeatedly defends Petronas. 'The public will realise from Singapore's example that all in Singapore became one when outsiders interfered with their politics in the recently concluded General elections. 'We ask DAP and PKR in Swk to become like the opposition in Singapore that defended their land.' he said in a statement today. He stressed that Sarawak belongs to all Sarawakians, and even the opposition should serve in the interests of the state rather than what he described as their 'Malayan masters.' He advised the public to take note of this and choose wisely in the coming Sarawak state elections and 'be rid of Malayan interests once and for all.' 'Sarawak is not short of locally based opposition parties and if we must have opposition why not opt for them instead of Malayan parties,' he said. He also recalled the words of former chief minister, the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem, who once said he could not ban Malayan parties because they were already represented in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN). 'As such, let's all be loyal Sarawakians and be rid of Malayan influence in Sarawak once and for all in the coming Sarawak and Malaysian General elections,' he added. dap pkr Sarawak autonomy Sim Kiang Chiok SUPP
Borneo Post
02-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Amended SLO brings higher compliance costs for businesses, says Sheda advisor
Sim says new employment regulations―including a reduced weekly working limit to 45 hours and extended maternity leave to 98 days―pose greater challenges to employers. KUCHING (May 3): The amended Sarawak Labour Ordinance (SLO), which came into effect on Labour Day, will increase compliance costs for businesses in the state, said Dato Sim Kiang Chiok. The Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers' Association (Sheda) advisor said new employment regulations―including a reduced weekly working limit to 45 hours and extended maternity leave to 98 days―pose greater challenges to employers. 'While these measures aim to improve employee welfare and align Sarawak with international labour standards, they present substantial cost implications for employers,' he said in a statement yesterday. Sim noted that the new requirements add to an already growing list of obligations, particularly for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). He also pointed out that the recent minimum wage increase from RM1,500 to RM1,700, further raises fixed costs across various sectors. 'This wage hike, combined with the reduction in working hours, means businesses are now expected to pay more for less output, unless they invest in automation or absorb productivity losses,' he said. He further noted that the federal government's plan to implement mandatory e-invoicing for all businesses by next year poses another major challenge. He said many small traders and businesses, especially those in semi-urban and rural areas of Sarawak, lack the technical capacity and resources to transition quickly to digital invoicing systems. 'Compliance will require investments in new technology and training, which adds to the burden of already overstretched micro and small business owners.' Sim warned that these combined changes could unintentionally dampen entrepreneurial spirit in Sarawak. 'While the objective is to modernise labour practices and ensure fair treatment, the cumulative effect of increased compliance costs could discourage business startups or expansion, reduce job creation, and shift focus away from growth and innovation. 'For sustainable development, it is crucial that policy reforms take into account the operational realities faced by local businesses,' he added. compliance Sarawak Labour Ordinance Sim Kiang Chiok slo
