logo
'Revising SST a pragmatic approach to fiscal sustainability'

'Revising SST a pragmatic approach to fiscal sustainability'

Malaysiakini09-06-2025

The government's broadening of the tax base by incorporating more sectors into the Sales and Service Tax (SST) regime reflects a pragmatic approach to fiscal sustainability, according to the Chartered Tax Institute of Malaysia (CTIM).
Its president Soh Lian Seng noted that the rationale for the revision and expansion of SST includes strengthening the country's fiscal position to better support the well-being of the people and making SST a more progressive and targeted tax.
'CTIM views this move as...

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Warisan urges explanation of ‘hidden' tariff hikes in Sabah
Warisan urges explanation of ‘hidden' tariff hikes in Sabah

The Star

timean hour ago

  • The Star

Warisan urges explanation of ‘hidden' tariff hikes in Sabah

Warisan Kota Kinabalu division information chief Samuel Wong has called for transparency over Sabah's electricity tariff structure, alleging hidden rate hikes under the tiered billing system. KOTA KINABALU: The city's Warisan branch has urged the state government to address what it claims are hidden electricity tariff hikes in Sabah through a quietly restructured tiered billing system. Its information chief, Samuel Wong said that although the state recently announced a six-month waiver of the electricity surcharge under the Imbalance Cost Pass-Through (ICPT) mechanism, Sabahans are still experiencing rising bills due to a more complicated and punishing tier structure. 'The government says there's no surcharge, but our bills tell a different story. What Sabahans are facing is a hidden tariff hike, not through official announcements, but via subtle changes to how electricity usage is charged,' he said in a statement. He explained that in 2022, there were five usage tiers ranging from RM0.175 to RM0.450 per 100 units. However, by 2025, the structure expanded to seven tiers, with a new highest rate of RM0.470 per 100 units. 'This expansion and reshuffling of thresholds means ordinary households are now more likely to hit the highest rate even with moderate usage. It's a disguised price hike,' he said. Wong contrasted Sabah's situation with upcoming reforms in Peninsular Malaysia, where the tiered system will be scrapped by July 2025 in favour of real-time tariff reviews based on actual fuel prices and foreign exchange rates. 'The peninsula is seeing meaningful reform. What about us in Sabah? Is the GRS-Pakatan Harapan government even trying to fight for a fair deal for us?' he asked. He also urged the government to abolish the 8% Sales and Service Tax (SST) imposed on residential electricity usage, calling it a burden on essential needs. 'Electricity is essential. Why are we taxing families who are already overpaying under a broken system?' he said. Wong called on Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) and the state government to fully disclose the current tariff structure and present a clear roadmap for reform. 'Sabahans have paid more than enough. We need answers, we need reform, and we need action now,' he said.

Taxes should prioritise people's overall well-being
Taxes should prioritise people's overall well-being

The Star

time4 hours ago

  • The Star

Taxes should prioritise people's overall well-being

TAXES are never popular. So, it's not surprising that the recent expansion of the sales and service tax (SST) has ignited concern across Malaysia. On June 9, the government announced a targeted review of the SST rate, which would take effect from July 1. The tax rate would remain the same for essential goods, while a rate of 5% or 10% will be imposed on non-essential or discretionary goods. It was presented as a measure targeting luxury items. But the problem is, one person's luxury might be another's staple. Going by the updated list of what's taxable, the SST could have a broader impact than most thought, raising concerns about an escalation in the cost of living for everyday Malaysians. The government has previously indicated it is open to reviewing policies, especially when a lot of people raise concerns – and with the number of people worried about this tax, it would do well to make sure to review it and ensure it does not inadvertently place an undue burden on those who can least afford it. The expanded SST encom­passes a diverse range of neces­sities and services, not only ­premium goods, such as salmon and avocados. It includes wedding rentals and catering, as well as traditional medicine, postnatal massages, elderly care and beauty treatments – services often seen as fundamental life events or crucial support rather than mere indulgences. Adding to the apprehension, the expansion removes tax exemp­tions on some basic food items. Items like mangoes, apples, oranges, dates, sauces, spices, canned fruits and instant food, which were previously exempt, will now incur a 5% tax. This change is expected to increase food prices in markets, restaurants and homes alike. The number of taxable items has increased from fewer than 1,000 to over 4,000 sub-codes, while the list of exempt items has been cut by 70%. So the new tax will obviously have a wide-ranging impact on people's daily lives. The announcement on Thurs­day by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi that the government will review the implementation of the SST on selected imported goods, including common fruits such as apples and mandarin oranges, is a highly welcome development. The government's willingness to re-examine the policy is a positive step towards ensuring that taxation genuinely serves its purpose without disproportionately affecting the vulnerable segments of society. Taxes are unavoidable in modern civilisation and no country can function without them. And, Malaysia certainly cannot continue to live with increasing budget deficits every year. But the government must balance between increasing revenue collection and making sure the people don't suffer unnecessarily.

Meaningful ‘pain' that must be borne
Meaningful ‘pain' that must be borne

The Star

time4 hours ago

  • The Star

Meaningful ‘pain' that must be borne

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.

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