MEDIA STATEMENT BY YB CHIN TEK MING (ADUN N.25 KAPAYAN) 2 APRIL 2026:
IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION OF ENFORCEMENT OF UNIFORM (LICENSING THE USE OF PREMISES FOR TRADE, BUSINESS, INDUSTRY AND PROFESSION) BY-LAWS 2022 IN PENAMPANG DISTRICT
THE SILENCE OF THE GOVERNMENT, TRADERS IN DISTRESS, WHO IS REALLY PROTECTED?
The failure of the Ministry of Local Government and Housing to respond to my official letter dated 12 March 2026 is no longer a mere bureaucratic issue.
This is clear evidence that the government chooses to remain silent when the people are crying out.
While thousands of small and medium traders struggle to survive, the government not only fails to assist but burdens them with exorbitant increases in operational license fees, in many cases exceeding 100%.
THIS IS NOT POLICY, THIS IS PLANNED PRESSURE ON TRADERS
Let’s speak frankly.
The implementation of the By-Laws 2022 in the current situation is not just insensitive, it is a form of inhumane economic pressure on small traders.
Traders:
are not consulted,
are not given time to adjust,
and are now forced to bear skyrocketing costs.
This is not good governance. This is a policy failure.
THE TRADERS' MOVEMENT HAS BEGUN, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT TAKE IT LIGHTLY
My office has initiated a petition drive.
What I see on the ground is very clear: anger is rising. This is no longer a minor complaint. This is an open rejection of government policies that are out of touch with reality. If the government continues to remain silent, this movement will grow, and the government must be prepared to face a wave of public discontent.
THE ECONOMIC REALITY OF THE PEOPLE CANNOT BE PLAYED WITH
The government cannot live in numbers on paper.
The reality is as follows:
the cost of living is rising,
operational costs are increasing,
e-Invoicing adds pressure,
and profit margins are shrinking.
In this situation, raising license fees drastically is unreasonable, irresponsible, and shows a complete lack of concern. Moreover, with the war between the United States & Israel and Iran where oil prices have skyrocketed, it exacerbates the people's suffering.
OPEN WARNING: DO NOT TEST THE LIMITS OF THE PEOPLE'S PATIENCE
I want to give an open warning:
Do not test the patience of traders, especially small traders.
They are not asking for privileges.
They are merely demanding justice and space to continue living.
When the government fails to listen, the people will find ways to force the government to listen.
DEMANDS ARE FIRM AND NON-NEGOTIABLE
I demand immediate action:
IMMEDIATELY STOP the enforcement of the By-Laws 2022;
RESTORE the original license rates without delay;
HOLD an open dialogue, not just one-way directives;
REFUND excess payments to affected traders.
No excuses, no delays.
THIS ISSUE WILL EXPLODE IN THE SABAH STATE ASSEMBLY
I will bring this issue to the Sabah State Assembly Conference on 27 – 30 April 2026.
A petition from traders will be submitted.
Facts will be revealed.
And the government must respond — whether they are ready or not.
CLOSING: THE PEOPLE ARE WATCHING
The government needs to understand one thing:
Silence is no longer an option.
Every day of delay is another burden on traders.
Every day without action is another failure of leadership.
If the government continues to choose silence, then it is clear, they are not only failing to help the people but choosing not to care.
Prepared by:
Chin Tek Ming
ADUN N.25 Kapayan
2 April 2026
HP: 019-8521339
