logo
GST vs SST: Is one better than the other?

GST vs SST: Is one better than the other?

Malaysiakini5 hours ago

KINIGUIDE
| There is an ongoing national conversation in Malaysia about consumption taxes, balancing the legacy of the goods and services tax (GST) with the phased return and expansion of the sales and services tax (SST).
Let's scrutinise both tax systems.
What is GST?
Enacted under the Goods and Services Tax Act 2014, Malaysia implemented GST ( six percent) from April 1, 2015, levied at each supply-chain stage.
Basic goods like fresh food, water, and electricity remained zero-rated, while some services - education and healthcare, for example, were GST-exempt.
Businesses could claim input tax refunds, avoiding tax-on-tax. A year before it was...

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

The moral case for GST
The moral case for GST

The Star

time3 hours ago

  • The Star

The moral case for GST

The road to a broad-based consumption tax in Malaysia has been long and tortuous, stretching back more than a decade before its brief life under Barisan Nasional (BN). In December 2009, the then-government first introduced the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill in Parliament, pledging that a uniform, 6% levy would replace the patchwork of Sales and Service Taxes (SST) then ranging from 5 to 15%. Despite initial plans to roll out GST by late 2011, fierce public resistance, fueled by fears of rising living costs and concerns about insufficient safeguards for low-income households, led to repeated postponements.

Food for thought on revised SST
Food for thought on revised SST

The Star

time4 hours ago

  • The Star

Food for thought on revised SST

THE proposal to include more food items in the scope of the sales and service tax (SST) warrants a rethink for the simple reason that food is a necessity, not a luxury. Broadening the tax base is a common way for governments to increase funds as spending increases, but it risks serious consequences of fuelling food insecurity and exacerbating an already serious national nutrition crisis, especially among the poor. 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

Malaysians Need To Earn Average RM4000 To Introduce GST, Says Anwar
Malaysians Need To Earn Average RM4000 To Introduce GST, Says Anwar

BusinessToday

time5 hours ago

  • BusinessToday

Malaysians Need To Earn Average RM4000 To Introduce GST, Says Anwar

Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the reintroduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) remains unsuitable for now, citing the rakyat's low income threshold as a key concern. Speaking during the Finance Ministry's monthly assembly, Anwar explained that although GST is recognised as an efficient and transparent taxation mechanism, it imposes a comprehensive financial burden — particularly on low-income earners. 'We postponed (GST) because the income of the people was still too low. My opinion at the time was that people with an income of RM2,000 were still affected although we gave some exemptions,' he said. He highlighted how even though basic necessities such as sugar and rice may be exempt, GST still applies indirectly when people purchase other goods or use public transport. 'It is comprehensive,' he noted. The government, according to Anwar, would only revisit GST implementation when the average household income reaches a more reasonable level — at least RM4,000 a month. 'Let the people's income increase first… maybe at that time we can (implement it). Right now, there are people earning RM1,700 or RM2,000,' he said. For now, the government is focused on a more targeted Sales and Service Tax (SST) system. He said tax revenue collected through SST will be channelled into core public sectors such as education and healthcare. 'The allocation for the Ministry of Education from RM58 billion in 2024 has increased to RM64 billion this year. Similarly, for the Ministry of Health, RM41 billion last year… we are adding RM4 billion to make it RM45 billion,' Anwar said. GST was introduced on Apr 1, 2015, with a standard rate of 6%, but was later repealed on Sept 1, 2018, following widespread criticism over its impact on consumers, particularly those from lower income brackets. It was replaced with the SST system. On 9 June, the government announced a targeted review of the Sales Tax rate and an expanded scope for the Service Tax, effective 1 July, aimed at strengthening Malaysia's fiscal position by increasing revenue while protecting essential goods from new taxes. Stressing the importance of macroeconomic balance, Anwar also acknowledged a gap in policy communication. He urged government members to better explain ongoing fisc Related

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