State government to continue absorbing GST for local councils

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MIRI: There is no truth to rumours that the state government will stop footing the goods and services tax (GST) for local council services.

Minister of Local Government and Community Development Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh said yesterday that the government’s decision on this matter, meant to lighten the financial burden of the people, still stands, and there would be no revision.

He said this when approached by reporters covering the disbursement of funds from the UPP Education Fund to 21 students at UPP Northern Zone’s office here yesterday.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem had in May this year announced that the state government would absorb the GST for local authorities.

The state has 26 local councils, and they are under the purview of Wong’s ministry.

Meanwhile, when asked about the coming State Budget 2016, Wong said its emphasis would be on rural development.