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The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
It's an unkind cut, say hairdressers
Our services are a necessity and not a luxury, claim industry players PETALING JAYA: Hairdressing and salon industry players have appealed to the government to reconsider imposing the expanded 8% Sales and Service Tax (SST) on their services, which they deem a necessity and not a luxury. United Asian Hairdressers Association (UAHA) president Dr Michael Poh said hairdressing remains a basic need and personal hygiene-related service for many, including those seeking to treat scalp problems. ALSO READ: Hairdressers in the dark over expanded SST rules 'Taxing hairdressing as though it is a luxury service is not only inappropriate, but also unfairly affects both operators and consumers. 'We kindly urge the government to reconsider and exempt hairdressing services to protect this fragile yet essential industry, and prevent further financial strain on micro-entrepreneurs as well as the people they serve. 'Placing it under the same tax category as other luxury or high-margin services does not reflect the economic realities faced by most in our sector,' he told The Star. Poh said a letter by UAHA and other industry players was sent to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Finance Ministry on June 12 to express their concern regarding the imposition of the 8% tax. The stakeholders include the Malaysian Hairdressing Association, Bumiputera Hairdressers Association, Malaysian Indian Hairstylist Empowerment Association, Persatuan Kemahiran Wanita Selangor and Branding Association of Malaysia. The Federation of Malaysian Business Associations has also come up with a petition form for its stakeholders appealing to Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan for the postponement and reconsideration of the SST expansion. According to the Finance Ministry, effective July 1, an 8% SST will be applied to all hairdressing services, which are deemed non-essential services, for businesses with an annual value exceeding RM500,000. This includes services provided by salons and hairdressers, but not the sale of hair products. Poh said that given the current situation for financially-strained businesses operating in malls with high rentals, periodic renovations and overhead costs, their average turnover ranges between RM650,000 and RM700,000, which is barely enough to break even. 'In the long run, those operating in shopping malls will have to close down because they are not friendly to the beauty industry. This is an important thing that must be considered. 'If they (the government) want to tax, then use the Goods and Service Tax (GST) of 3% or 6%, which is easier for us, or reduce (the SST) from 8% to 3% so that we can ensure our survival,' he said. Syiling Unisex Hair Salon owner Mogana Chinnathamby said smaller local barbers or salon owners with revenues below the threshold can continue without SST, but many salons in malls or premium areas typically exceed that limit and have started adjusting prices. 'As a responsible salon operator, we fully support tax transparency and compliance. 'If our revenue meets the threshold, we will implement the SST accordingly and ensure that it is clearly communicated to our customers with no hidden or unexpected charges. 'But the majority of customers may reduce frequency from monthly to every two months to cope with the rising costs, and I believe there will be some initial pushback too from customers,' said Mogana, who is also Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Honorary secretary-general. She hopes the authorities will continue engaging with industry players to review classifications that affect essential services like haircuts, especially in the interest of affordability for the public. Malaysian Indian Hair Dressing Saloon Owners Association honorary secretary-general Jeyakumar Manokaran said they will be meeting with their members to discuss the implementation of the SST. He acknowledged that the 8% SST will eventually be passed on to consumers. 'But we have to bear in mind that they are already being burdened by a lot of other increases in cost of living. 'So, we have to see whether they can eventually afford it. 'The other matter is that the Indian barbers and salons are mostly frequented by the B40 group,' he noted. As such, he hopes the government will reconsider imposing the SST expansion.
The Star
7 days ago
- The Star
MACC arrests five over RM26mil NGO fund embezzlement case
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has arrested five individuals suspected of embezzling RM26mil in public donations from a non-governmental organisation (NGO). Sources said the five suspects include the NGO's chairman, secretary, treasurer and financial officer. They were detained in "Ops Serantau", an operation conducted by the Selangor MACC across several locations in Selangor, Melaka and Penang from last Thursday. The suspects have been remanded for seven days - four until Wednesday and the fifth until Thursday. "The money was transferred to their personal accounts and used to purchase jewellery, cars, land, houses and even cryptocurrency. "They are also believed to have diverted organisational funds into personal accounts to provide loans to staff and siphoned surplus funds from a humanitarian well-building project in Syria for personal use," a source told Bernama. The source added that the misappropriation of public donations is believed to have been ongoing since 2015. Meanwhile, MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, when contacted, confirmed the arrests and disclosed that assets worth over RM8mil had been seized or frozen. "Among the seized items are jewellery valued at approximately RM100,000, over RM1mil in cash, cryptocurrency accounts worth around RM650,000, and four houses estimated at more than RM1.4mil. "MACC has also frozen 14 bank accounts totalling nearly RM5mil for further investigation," he said, adding that the case is being investigated under Section 409 of the Penal Code for criminal breach of trust. - Bernama
Barnama
14-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
MTD Properties Embarks On Two Residential And Industrial Projects In Melaka
REGION - SOUTHERN > NEWS MELAKA, June 14 (Bernama) -- MTD Properties Sdn Bhd is set to develop two property projects in Melaka, comprising residential and industrial units, with phased construction expected to begin this year. MTD group chief executive officer Reime Rizal Abd Aziz stated that the projects -- to be developed in Taman Tasik Utama, Ayer Keroh -- are the MTD Nexus 28 Industrial Park, slated for launch in August, and MTD Elysia Heights in October. 'The development of MTD Nexus 28 Industrial Park will be a modern industrial estate equipped with smart systems and solar PV panel installations to support sustainability. The project will involve 87 industrial units or factory lots, primarily targeting the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector. bootstrap slideshow 'Meanwhile, MTD Elysia Heights is a residential development comprising 197 units designed with a contemporary concept, offering stylish living, comfort, and long-term value to buyers who prioritise quality of life in a strategic location. The development will complement the overall township plan for Taman Tasik Utama,' he told Bernama here today. Reime Rizal made the remarks following the groundbreaking ceremony of MTD Nexus 28 Industrial Park, the pre-launch of MTD Elysia Heights, and the official opening of the Metacorp Properties Sales Office, officiated by State Deputy Senior Executive Councillor for Housing, Local Government, Drainage, Climate Change, and Disaster Management, Datuk Zulkiflee Mohd Zin. Also present at the event were MTD group chief operating officer Dr Nik Fauzan Nik Faizul and Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council president, Datin Sapiah Haron. Reime Rizal said the two property projects will span approximately 8.89 hectares, with each expected to be completed within two years of commencement. In terms of pricing, the industrial units at MTD Nexus 28 Industrial Park will start from RM650,000 per unit, while the residential units at MTD Elysia Heights will be priced from RM430,000 each. Meanwhile, Nik Fauzan noted that the current property industry not only faces challenges such as construction costs and consumer purchasing power, but also evolving public expectations regarding sustainability and affordable, quality housing.
The Star
13-06-2025
- The Star
Good deed turns into nightmare
'Terrifying ordeal': The carjacker's vehicle used to distract his victim. KOTA KINABALU: An act of kindness turned into a terrifying ordeal for a retired pilot when his 4WD was hijacked with his elderly mother in it. John Otigil, 62, was driving along Jalan Tambunan-Kota Kinabalu near Kampung Notoruss, Penampang, when a car suddenly hit his vehicle from behind at about 11.45am yesterday. Thinking nothing much of it, Otigil got out with his sister to inspect the damage. The male driver claimed to have dozed off and asked for a rope to tow his vehicle. Believing the man, Otigil looked for towing options on his phone. 'Suddenly, the man ran and got in my car, started the engine and sped off with my mother still in the back seat. 'I tried to block him but I was thrown to the ground and injured my knees and elbow,' said Otigil. Despite the pain and shock, he flagged down a passing vehicle and gave chase. About 2km away, he found his mother abandoned by the road, shaken but unharmed. The thief drove off with his 4WD with Otigil's sister's handbag which had several bank cards and RM650. Otigil then went to the police station to lodge a report. Penampang police chief Supt Sammy Newton confirmed the case, adding that a manhunt had been launched for the suspect and the 4WD. He advised anyone with information to contact investigating officer Insp Mohd Anis Abdullah at 013-636 5734.
The Star
13-06-2025
- The Star
Ex-pilot's car stolen in Penampang – with his mum still inside
KOTA KINABALU: What began as an act of kindness turned into a terrifying ordeal for a retired airline pilot when his vehicle was hijacked with his mother still seated in the back. John Otigil, 62, was driving along Jalan Tambunan–Kota Kinabalu near Kampung Notoruss in Penampang at 11.45am on Friday (June 13) when a car hit his four-wheel-drive vehicle. Believing it was an accident, Otigil and his sister got out to inspect the damage. The other driver, a man, claimed he had dozed off and asked for a rope to tow his vehicle. Trusting the man, Otigil began recording the incident and looking for towing options. 'Without warning, the man ran towards my car, jumped in, started it, and sped off with my mother still in the back seat. 'I tried to stop him, but I was thrown to the ground and injured my knees and elbow,' he said. Despite the pain, Otigil managed to flag down a passing vehicle and gave chase. About two kilometres away, he found his mother abandoned by the roadside, shaken but unharmed. The suspect escaped with the stolen vehicle and Otigil's sister's handbag, which contained her identity card, several bank cards, a driving licence, and RM650 in cash. Otigil then rushed to the Penampang police station to ensure his mother's safety and lodge a report. Penampang OCPD Supt Sammy Newton confirmed the case, adding that they received a report shortly after the incident. 'The case is being investigated under Section 379A of the Penal Code for vehicle theft, which carries a penalty of up to seven years' imprisonment and a fine,' he said. Supt Sammy added that investigations and efforts to track down the suspect and recover the vehicle are ongoing. He urged anyone with information to contact investigating officer Insp Mohd Anis Abdullah at 013-6365734. He also advised the public not to circulate unverified or false information on social media, as it may hinder investigations and cause unnecessary public alarm.
