logo
Residences under Housing Development Act exempt from SST

Residences under Housing Development Act exempt from SST

Malaysiakini10 hours ago

The Housing and Local Government Ministry has reaffirmed that residential properties sold under the Housing Development Act (HDA) are exempted from the Sales and Services Tax (SST).
'The SST exemption is determined by either the land title or the intended use of the property.
'This means all residential buildings, including serviced...

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

FMM strongly objects to Port Klang's tariff hike, warns of hit to export competitiveness
FMM strongly objects to Port Klang's tariff hike, warns of hit to export competitiveness

The Sun

time4 hours ago

  • The Sun

FMM strongly objects to Port Klang's tariff hike, warns of hit to export competitiveness

PETALING JAYA: The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing (FMM) has expressed its strong objection to the impending tariff increase at Port Klang, which was approved by the Ministry of Transport (MoT) and officially gazetted on Friday. The association said these cost increases come at a time when industries are already under immense pressure from global trade disruptions and significant domestic policy shifts. It noted that the new tariff increase place a severe burden on Malaysian manufacturers and further weaken the nation's export competitiveness while eroding Malaysia's position as a preferred regional trade and logistics hub. To note, the overall tariff revision at Port Klang, amounting to a 30% increase, will be implemented in three phases, with the first phase taking effect on July 1. Among the key changes that will heavily impact importers and exporters are a 30% hike in container handling charges and a steep escalation in container storage charges, which are set to rise by between 197% and 243%. FMM president Tan Sri Soh Thian Lai said while the association notes MoT's decision to stagger the port tariff increase over three phases following engagement with FMM and the Malaysian National Shippers' Council, FMM maintains that the timing remains deeply concerning. 'The sharp initial escalation beginning July 1, 2025 poses immediate and damaging consequences to the cost structures of exporters and importers alike. 'This comes at a time when industries are already contending with unresolved external shocks, including the ongoing US tariff threats on Malaysian exports, the expansion of the Sales and Service Tax (SST), and a scheduled restructuring of electricity tariffs. 'The convergence of these cost pressures will deliver a heavy blow to manufacturers and exporters at a critical juncture in Malaysia's economic recovery, further eroding the country's export competitiveness,' Soh said in a statement. Under the newly gazetted tariff structure by the Port Klang Authority, container handling charges for a 20-foot container will increase by 30% in total, implemented over three phases. The current rate of RM300 will eventually rise to RM390, with an estimated RM90 added per container upon full implementation. Given that Port Klang handles about 12.5 million TEUs annually, the full increase could translate to an additional RM1.125 billion in annual costs to industry once all phases are in effect. Soh noted that Malaysian ports have traditionally enjoyed a competitive edge due to reasonable cost structures. 'However, with the new rates, container handling fees will approach US$120–130 (RM509-552) per TEU, similar to rates in Singapore and Hong Kong, but well above Asean neighbours such as Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand. 'This will erode Malaysia's value proposition and increase the risk of cargo diversion to competing regional ports. 'Furthermore, Malaysia's drop to 34th in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking and its current standing at 26th in the World Bank's Logistics Performance Index highlight the urgency of containing cost escalations. 'This tariff hike sends the wrong signal to investors and could significantly disrupt trade flow and business planning at a time when manufacturers are already struggling with margin pressures, high logistics costs, and global uncertainty,' Soh said. FMM said the government must take a holistic view of the cascading cost impacts on Malaysian businesses and consumers. 'Port tariffs, SST expansion, electricity hikes and international trade headwinds must be evaluated together. No single ministry or agency can make isolated decisions without assessing the full burden being placed on industry,' Soh said. FMM called for an immediate pause in the implementation of the port tariff increase, electricity base tariff revision and expanded SST scope. 'We urge the government to reconvene with industry stakeholders to reassess the economic and operational consequences and align all measures under a coordinated national cost impact strategy. If these measures proceed as scheduled, July 1, 2025 will mark a critical inflection point for Malaysian industry. 'A combination of port tariff hikes, new SST taxes, electricity cost increases, and global tariff threats will crash down on businesses, overwhelming their ability to remain competitive and sustainable. These cost increases will eventually translate into higher prices for consumers and a slowdown in manufacturing investment and job creation,' Soh said. FMM stands ready to work with the government to realign policy implementation timelines, ensure transparency in cost justifications, and develop a coordinated national strategy to support industry growth and protect the welfare of consumers.

PM Anwar: GST not suitable now, would burden the poor
PM Anwar: GST not suitable now, would burden the poor

Borneo Post

time7 hours ago

  • Borneo Post

PM Anwar: GST not suitable now, would burden the poor

Anwar speaking at the closing of the Perak MADANI Rakyat Programme (PMR) 2025 here today. – Bernama photo LUMUT (June 15): The government is not ready to reintroduce the Goods and Services Tax (GST) as it would affect all segments of society, particularly the poor, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister said GST is a broad-based tax that would be applied uniformly to all consumers, regardless of income, including fishermen, smallholders, or street cleaners. 'GST taxes everybody. While it is efficient and straightforward, just six per cent across the board, I must ask, if everyone has to pay six per cent, why should the poor and the unemployed be taxed as well?' he said when closing the Perak MADANI Rakyat Programme (PMR) 2025 here today. Anwar said that although the opposition has suggested GST as a better option, the government has chosen to postpone its implementation to avoid burdening the people, who are still struggling with the rising cost of living. 'That's why we say we're not ready for GST. If, one day, the economy improves and the minimum wage reaches RM4,000 or more, then by all means, implement GST. But for now, I'm calling for it to be postponed, don't turn it into a political issue,' he said. Anwar said the government is retaining the Sales and Services Tax (SST), which is more targeted in nature, particularly on imported luxury items such as avocados and cod, products typically consumed by high-income earners. 'Local bananas are not taxed, but expensive imported fruits like avocados, usually consumed by those in the high-income group, should come with a slightly higher price. The same goes for cod, which is also imported and costly, so we tax it,' he said. As such, he emphasised that the tax revenue collected from these imported and high-end goods could be used to develop infrastructure that benefits the people, such as hospitals, schools, and the national defence system. However, Anwar said the tax revenue collected by the government is not solely meant to cover the country's operating expenditure, but also to fund various development and welfare initiatives that directly benefit the people. According to the Prime Minister, although there are weaknesses in the SST system, the government remains open to reviewing and enhancing it comprehensively in the nation's best interest. – Bernama anwar ibrahim economy GST Tax revenue

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store