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Focus Malaysia
13-06-2025
- Business
- Focus Malaysia
MCA Youth: 'Govt must not burden citizens with chaotic, unjust expanded SST implementation'
MCA Youth has called for the government to seriously reconsider the manner it is implementing the expanded Sales and Services Tax (SST), saying the present confusion is not just a matter of poor coordination but a matter of public trust and economic fairness. Its secretary-general Saw Yee Fung said the government must answer a very simple yet critical question: Is the expanded SST enforcement to be based on what is officially written in the Government Gazette, or on verbal explanations given by the Finance Ministry's spokespersons? 'This lack of clarity is unacceptable in tax policy, especially one that affects the daily cost of living for ordinary Malaysians,' she stressed. Saw's statement came following the government's recent publication of the Service Tax (Rate Of Tax) (Amendment) Order 2025 as well as the Service Tax Act 2018 in the Gazette, listing commonly consumed fruits such as guava, mango, lime, watermelon, durian, and mangosteen as taxable. Following widespread backlash, the ministry clarified that the 5% sales tax would apply only to imported fruits. 'But which instruction should businesses and enforcement agencies follow—the Gazette or the government spokesperson's?' Saw questioned. 'Malaysians can ill afford to overlook the real issue: Our country is heavily dependent on imported food. 'Taxing imported fruits in a blanket manner means essential items like apples, oranges, and grapes—staples in many households—will now cost more. These are not luxury items; they are everyday necessities for millions of families.' Saw noted that in October last year alone, Malaysia spent RM77.8 billion on imported food. In fact, according to the USDA Economic Research Service, Malaysian households spent an average of US$1,940 (about RM8,208) on food in 2023—the highest in Southeast Asia. 'This shows just how serious the burden of food costs already is for the average Malaysian family,' said Saw. 'The government claims that the expanded SST will not affect most people—but how is that possible, when it touches directly on what we eat every day?' Saw went on to urge the government to immediately revoke the Gazette's taxation order, and to conduct a thorough review of all items listed—especially those that impact everyday meals. 'If there are errors or oversights, correct them. If implementation needs to be postponed, then delay it. What must not happen is forcing the people to pay the price for rushed or careless policy-making,' she remarked. 'At a time when Malaysians are already struggling with the rising cost of living, the government's priority should be protecting the rakyat—not adding to their burden.' On Wednesday (June 11) it was reported that an additional 5 to 10% tax will be imposed on selected imported goods, including certain fruits under the expanded SST regime that takes effect on July 1. While the government has assured that essential goods and services will be minimally affected, some uncertainty remains among local traders. – June 13, 2025 Main image: The Edge Malaysia
The Star
13-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Citizens must not be burdened by enforcement of expanded SST
MCA Youth urges the government to seriously reconsider the manner in which it is implementing the expanded Sales and Services Tax (SST). The confusion we are currently witnessing is not just a matter of poor coordination; it is a matter of public trust and economic fairness. The government must answer a very simple yet critical question: is the expanded SST enforcement to be based on what is officially written in the Government Gazette, or on verbal explanations given by the Finance Ministry's spokespersons? This lack of clarity is unacceptable in tax policy, especially one that affects the daily cost of living for ordinary Malaysians.
The Star
12-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Govt needs to rethink implementation of 'confusing' expanded SST, says MCA Youth
MCA Youth urges the government to seriously reconsider the manner it is implementing the expanded Sales and Services Tax (SST). The confusion we are currently witnessing is not just a matter of poor coordination—it is a matter of public trust and economic fairness. The government must answer a very simple yet critical question: is the expanded SST enforcement to be based on what is officially written in the Government Gazette, or on verbal explanations given by the Ministry of Finance's spokespersons? This lack of clarity is unacceptable in tax policy, especially one that affects the daily cost of living for ordinary Malaysians.
The Citizen
04-06-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Gauteng to unveil new cutting-edge provincial number plate system
There were discussions about 'self-destructing' number plates which sound like the revolving system on James Bond's 1964 Aston Martin DB5. An example of what the number plate piloted by G-Fleet vehicles in Gauteng will look like. Pictures: iStock and Government Gazette Motor vehicles in Gauteng will soon feature new, cutting-edge technology and possibly James Bond 007-style number plates, in an effort to mitigate criminal activity. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, along with MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, is expected to preside over the launch of the new provincial number plate system at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg on Thursday. James Bond style Lesufi first mentioned the new number plate project during his State of the Province Address (SOPA) last year, where he outlined plans to overhaul the region's number plate system. At the time, there were discussions about 'self-destructing' number plates, which may have sounded like the clever revolving system on James Bond's 1964 Aston Martin DB5. However, the new system may very well be the future of Gauteng number plates. The notice was published in the Government Gazette, signed by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy, who exempted provincial government cars (the G-Fleet) trialling the number plates from using regular number plates. ALSO READ: The driver's licence machine is fixed, but another problem remains 'Cutting edge' According to the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport, the new number plate system, which it calls 'the first of its kind, is cutting-edge, technological and tamper-proof.' 'This new system is a secure, traceable, and smart number plate solution, incorporating tamper-evident decals, forensic QR codes, and a fully digitised back-end portal.' 'It makes use of technological interventions aimed at tackling criminal activities including vehicle theft, fraud and cloning thereby enhancing and streamlining traffic law-enforcement as well as improving road safety in the province,' the department said. Pilot project The department said G-Fleet Management vehicles will be affixed with the new number plates as part of the six-month pilot project, before a provincial rollout. 'The system is expected to strengthen the vehicle registration and law enforcement landscape, eradicating the use of cloned or fraudulent number plates and facilitate interoperability with SADC systems, amongst others. 'Furthermore, the provincial government will also welcome enforcement officers from the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) to beef up traffic law-enforcement operations,' the department said. The province's current provincial number plate system is also nearing the end of the possible character combinations for identifying specific vehicles, possibly necessitating the implementation of the new system. ALSO READ: R400m driving licence tender takes wrong turn
IOL News
03-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
SARS imposes provisional anti-dumping duties on tyres from Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia
The newly imposed dumping duty stands at 41.47% on all exporters not specifically named in the Government Gazette, effective for a six-month period from late May to late November 2025. Image: Jason Boud The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has implemented provisional anti-dumping duties on new pneumatic tyres imported from Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia as of 29 May 2025. This action comes after an anti-circumvention investigation initiated by the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC), responding to concerns that Chinese tyre manufacturers were evading existing tariffs by distributing products through affiliates in Southeast Asia, a practice often referred to as "country hopping." The newly imposed dumping duty stands at 41.47% on all exporters not specifically named in the Government Gazette, effective for a six-month period from late May to late November 2025. This measure targets various tyre types categorised under specific tariff subheadings including motor car tyres and bus and lorry tyres. This situation stems from a prior investigation launched by ITAC in 2022, prompted by an application from the South African Tyre Manufacturers Conference (SATMC). The findings of that inquiry revealed that dumping practices were inflicting material harm on local tyre manufacturers, leading to the imposition of anti-dumping duties as high as 41% on non-cooperating Chinese exporters. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Those producers that complied with the investigation were granted reduced duties ranging from 7% to 15%. However, in the aftermath of these duties, imports of tyres from Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia surged. SATMC accused Chinese exporters of circumventing the imposed duties by routing their products through entities in these countries. Responding to these allegations, ITAC initiated an anti-circumvention investigation, uncovering substantial operational ties between Chinese tyre manufacturers and their affiliated companies in Southeast Asia. According to evidence presented during this investigation, the companies identified as both dumping and circumventing the regulations include Sentury Tire, Huayi Group, Prinx Chengshan, and Linglong, among others based in Thailand and Vietnam. Notably, a few exporters such as Vietnam Cofo, Firemax (Cambodia), and Haohua (Vietnam) were not found guilty of either dumping or circumvention. The South African Tyre Manufacturers Conference (SATMC) told Business Report that they welcome the anti-dumping duties. SATMC said, "According to ITAC's preliminary report, there is evidence that there was circumvention taking place in the form of country hopping and that there was dumping into the SACU region in the period reviewed. The provisional duties will be in place for the next six months and the SATMC believes that this is a strong move to address the unfair trade of tyres in South Africa. It is also a bold step to protect not only the local producers namely, Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear and Dunlop Tyres, but also to ensure fair trade for the compliant importers." "The ITAC investigation will now continue with its Final Investigation Phase, during which ITAC will study all interested parties' comments and verify information that was submitted, before concluding the investigation. SATMC and its members remain committed to the country and maintaining a sustainable future for the tyre industry in SA," SATMC further said. For those impacted by these provisional duties, the next steps are crucial. According to evidence presented during this investigation, the companies identified as both dumping and circumventing the regulations include Sentury Tire, Huayi Group, Prinx Chengshan, and Linglong, among others based in Thailand and Vietnam. Image: These measures will remain in effect while ITAC finalizes its investigation, with a possibility of establishing definitive duties that could remain for up to five years. Importers, particularly those sourcing tyres from Southeast Asia, are urged to closely evaluate their risk exposure, mindful of the potential for significant penalties issued by SARS for misinterpretations of anti-dumping duty applications. As the situation unfolds, interested parties have until 12 June 2025, to respond to ITAC's preliminary determinations. Those wishing to represent their views directly to the Commission must submit requests for oral hearings by 25 July 2025. With this ongoing investigation and potential long-term implications for trade and industry, stakeholders in the South African tyre market are urged to stay informed and proactive.
