logo
Meaningful ‘pain' that must be borne

Meaningful ‘pain' that must be borne

The Star4 hours ago

Funding the nation: Money is needed for public services, education, and healthcare reforms, while new challenges such as artificial intelligence technology and digitalisation also demand the disbursement of funds. — 123rf
TAXATION in any form and name is never popular, and the expansion of the sales and service tax (SST) is no exception. It is unpopular, full stop.
Nobody likes taxes but there is no such thing as looking for a better time in the future to impose the taxes for the government to increase revenue.
Billed as RM9.73 for the 1st month then RM13.90 thereafters.
RM12.33/month
RM8.63/month
Billed as RM103.60 for the 1st year then RM148 thereafters.
Free Trial
For new subscribers only Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
Wong Chun Wai began his career as a journalist in Penang, and has served The Star for over 35 years in various capacities and roles. He is now group editorial and corporate affairs adviser to the group, after having served as group managing director/chief executive officer. On The Beat made its debut on Feb 23 1997 and Chun Wai has penned the column weekly without a break, except for the occasional press holiday when the paper was not published. In May 2011, a compilation of selected articles of On The Beat was published as a book and launched in conjunction with his 50th birthday. Chun Wai also comments on current issues in The Star. https://twitter.com/chunwai09
https://twitter.com/chunwai09 http://www.wongchunwai.com/

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

KLIA aerotrain to resume service
KLIA aerotrain to resume service

The Star

timean hour ago

  • The Star

KLIA aerotrain to resume service

Loke: It will undergo several more tests before operations start on July 1 SEPANG: After a hiatus of more than two years, passengers travelling through Terminal 1 of the KL International Airport (KLIA) will only have to wait nine more days before they can use its signature aerotrain to get from the main terminal building to the satellite terminal building, and vice versa. The aerotrain replacement project, which is currently in its final testing phase, is set to begin operations on July 1. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said it will undergo several more tests over the coming days, including an emergency response plan test together with the relevant authorities. 'If everything goes well, it will begin operations at 10am on July 1,' said Loke when giving the media a preview of the aerotrain service here yesterday. He said there will be three train sets on deck, with two operating concurrently during peak hours. During off-peak hours, or between 12am and 5am, only one train will operate to allow maintenance works to be carried out. Each train has three carriages and can ferry 270 passengers at one time. Testing it out: Loke and Izani (second from left) using the aerotrain at KLIA. — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star 'With the return of the aerotrain, we hope passengers will feel more comfortable in their transit between the main terminal and satellite buildings,' Loke said, adding that the shuttle bus services that were deployed as a stop-gap measure will continue for a while even after the aerotrain resumes service. Loke also expressed hope that the aerotrain's return will improve KLIA's service and image. 'There will be more Asean meetings coming up in the next few months, with another summit to be held at the end of the year. '2026 is also a major year as we are organising Visit Malaysia 2026 and the aerotrain is a vital part of preparations here,' he said. On the series of delays in the resumption of aerotrain services, Loke said it was to ensure safety is made priority. According to Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), the aerotrain has now entered its final stage of testing. This comes following the successful completion of the critical fault-free run (FFR) and final detailed inspection by the Land Public Transport Agency. Under the FFR testing, the first train was required to complete 2,000km of continuous fault-free operations, while the remaining two trains logged 1,000km each. 'This ensures all three trains are fully commissioned and that the system's built-in redundancy is in place for live operations,' it said. MAHB managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani, who was also present, said the airport is now in the final stretch of preparations. 'Our volunteers are also participating in trial runs to simulate passenger movements,' he said. The aerotrain, which came under public scrutiny for frequent breakdowns, had its services suspended in March 2023. There was an episode where the train stopped midway from the main terminal building and the satellite building. A second train was deployed to retrieve the stranded passengers, but the rescue train also experienced technical difficulties, resulting in passengers having to complete the journey on foot.

Beef, but make it British
Beef, but make it British

The Star

time3 hours ago

  • The Star

Beef, but make it British

Rollins (right) speaking as Trump announced a trade agreement with Britain, at the White House in Washington. — Eric Lee/The New York Times JUST a few days after the United States and Britain announced to much fanfare that they had agreed to lower some tariffs and create a US$5bil export opportunity for American beef, ethanol and other ­agricultural products in Britain, US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins touched down in London. She came with a clear message for her British counterparts: the agreement was just the first step. Billed as RM9.73 for the 1st month then RM13.90 thereafters. RM12.33/month RM8.63/month Billed as RM103.60 for the 1st year then RM148 thereafters. Free Trial For new subscribers only Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Shrimp scandal rocks US South
Shrimp scandal rocks US South

The Star

time3 hours ago

  • The Star

Shrimp scandal rocks US South

Singh (right) and a research assistant testing shrimp from a hotel conference room in New Orleans. — Bryan Tarnowski/The New York Times IMAGINE sitting down for a seafood meal at a coastal American restaurant. You're on holiday. The decor is nautical – fishnets, framed boats and even a stuffed marlin or two. You order shrimp, assuming it's from nearby waters. Billed as RM9.73 for the 1st month then RM13.90 thereafters. RM12.33/month RM8.63/month Billed as RM103.60 for the 1st year then RM148 thereafters. Free Trial For new subscribers only Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store