Latest news with #KEMAS


The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
SST on imported goods including fruits maybe reviewed
BANGI: The government will review the implementation of the revision and expansion of the Sales and Services Tax (SST) on several selected imported goods including fruits such as apples and mandarin oranges, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He said the fruits are not produced locally but are instead imported entirely from foreign countries, hence it should be reconsidered before imposing SST of between five and 10 per cent. 'I believe it is reasonable for (the new SST rate on certain goods) to be reviewed and I think there will be an adjustment for certain materials to be categorised for tax at five to 10 per cent. '(But) don't take that conclusively,' he told reporters after officiating the Community Development Department (KEMAS) Teachers' Day Celebration, here today. Earlier, Mydin Holdings Bhd managing director Datuk Ameer Ali Mydin Mohamed described the move to impose SST on imported fruit as unreasonable because it also affects low-income consumers. Commenting further, Ahmad Zahid said the views put forward by Ameer Ali should be brought to the Cabinet meeting as it touches on the people's needs for imported fruits. 'The revenue from fruit tax to the country is not that high. So if SST is imposed, the price will increase. 'I know the purpose (of imposing SST on imported fruits) is to protect local fruits but we do not produce apples and mandarin oranges. I am sure the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Economy are also looking into the matter,' he said. On June 9, the government announced a targeted review of the SST rate which will take effect from July 1, 2025. The sales tax rate will remain the same for essential goods, while a rate of five or 10 per cent will be imposed on non-essential or discretionary goods. At the same time, the scope of service tax has also been expanded to cover six new services such as rental or leasing, construction, finance, private healthcare, education and beauty.


Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
DPM Zahid: SST on imported goods including fruits may be reviewed
Ahmad Zahid says the government will review the implementation of the revision and expansion of SST on several selected imported goods including fruits such as apples and mandarin oranges. – Bernama photo BANGI (June 19): The government will review the implementation of the revision and expansion of the Sales and Services Tax (SST) on several selected imported goods including fruits such as apples and mandarin oranges, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He said the fruits are not produced locally but are instead imported entirely from foreign countries, hence it should be reconsidered before imposing SST of between five and 10 per cent. 'I believe it is reasonable for (the new SST rate on certain goods) to be reviewed and I think there will be an adjustment for certain materials to be categorised for tax at five to 10 per cent. '(But) don't take that conclusively,' he told reporters after officiating the Community Development Department (KEMAS) Teachers' Day Celebration, here today. Earlier, Mydin Holdings Bhd managing director Datuk Ameer Ali Mydin Mohamed described the move to impose SST on imported fruit as unreasonable because it also affects low-income consumers. Commenting further, Ahmad Zahid said the views put forward by Ameer Ali should be brought to the Cabinet meeting as it touches on the people's needs for imported fruits. 'The revenue from fruit tax to the country is not that high. So if SST is imposed, the price will increase. 'I know the purpose (of imposing SST on imported fruits) is to protect local fruits but we do not produce apples and mandarin oranges. I am sure the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Economy are also looking into the matter,' he said. On June 9, the government announced a targeted review of the SST rate which will take effect from July 1, 2025. The sales tax rate will remain the same for essential goods, while a rate of five or 10 per cent will be imposed on non-essential or discretionary goods. At the same time, the scope of service tax has also been expanded to cover six new services such as rental or leasing, construction, finance, private healthcare, education and beauty. Ahmad Zahid fruits imported goods review SST

Barnama
2 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
SST On Imported Goods Including Fruits Maybe Reviewed
BANGI, June 19 (Bernama) -- The government will review the implementation of the revision and expansion of the Sales and Services Tax (SST) on several selected imported goods including fruits such as apples and mandarin oranges, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He said the fruits are not produced locally but are instead imported entirely from foreign countries, hence it should be reconsidered before imposing SST of between five and 10 per cent. "I believe it is reasonable for (the new SST rate on certain goods) to be reviewed and I think there will be an adjustment for certain materials to be categorised for tax at five to 10 per cent. "(But) don't take that conclusively," he told reporters after officiating the Community Development Department (KEMAS) Teachers' Day Celebration, here today. Earlier, Mydin Holdings Bhd managing director Datuk Ameer Ali Mydin Mohamed described the move to impose SST on imported fruit as unreasonable because it also affects low-income consumers. Commenting further, Ahmad Zahid said the views put forward by Ameer Ali should be brought to the Cabinet meeting as it touches on the people's needs for imported fruits. "The revenue from fruit tax to the country is not that high. So if SST is imposed, the price will increase. 'I know the purpose (of imposing SST on imported fruits) is to protect local fruits but we do not produce apples and mandarin oranges. I am sure the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Economy are also looking into the matter,' he said. On June 9, the government announced a targeted review of the SST rate which will take effect from July 1, 2025. The sales tax rate will remain the same for essential goods, while a rate of five or 10 per cent will be imposed on non-essential or discretionary goods.


The Sun
03-06-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Johor allocates RM1.5 million to upgrade KEMAS kindergartens, childcare centres
JOHOR BAHRU: The Johor government has allocated RM1.5 million to upgrade tabika (kindergartens) and taska (childcare centres) under the Community Development Department (KEMAS), in a move to strengthen early childhood education in the state. Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the state government has also allocated RM1.8 million in basic religious allocation for the Iqra' and Fardu Ain (IQFA) programmes. He added that KEMAS kindergartens are now being positioned as feeder institutions for Sekolah Rintis Bangsa Johor (SRBJ). 'However, this requires curriculum harmonisation, including elements of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) - a transformation that will elevate Johor's preschool education to a higher and more competitive level,' he said in a Facebook post. Meanwhile, in another development, Onn Hafiz said the Tunku Mahkota Ismail Youth Centre (TMIYC) in Renggam, Kluang, is currently undergoing active development. 'I had the opportunity to review the development of TMIYC Renggam and engage with representatives from youth groups, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and local sports activists. 'This youth centre is being actively developed in line with the aspirations of the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, to ensure that every district has facilities that serve as spaces for building the character, leadership, and potential of Johor's youth,' he said, adding that so far, three TMIYCs are already in operation in the state.


The Sun
03-06-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
RM1.5m allocation to upgrade KEMAS kindergartens, childcare centres
JOHOR BAHRU: The Johor government has allocated RM1.5 million to upgrade tabika (kindergartens) and taska (childcare centres) under the Community Development Department (KEMAS), in a move to strengthen early childhood education in the state. Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the state government has also allocated RM1.8 million in basic religious allocation for the Iqra' and Fardu Ain (IQFA) programmes. He added that KEMAS kindergartens are now being positioned as feeder institutions for Sekolah Rintis Bangsa Johor (SRBJ). 'However, this requires curriculum harmonisation, including elements of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) - a transformation that will elevate Johor's preschool education to a higher and more competitive level,' he said in a Facebook post. Meanwhile, in another development, Onn Hafiz said the Tunku Mahkota Ismail Youth Centre (TMIYC) in Renggam, Kluang, is currently undergoing active development. 'I had the opportunity to review the development of TMIYC Renggam and engage with representatives from youth groups, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and local sports activists. 'This youth centre is being actively developed in line with the aspirations of the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, to ensure that every district has facilities that serve as spaces for building the character, leadership, and potential of Johor's youth,' he said, adding that so far, three TMIYCs are already in operation in the state.