Jualan Rahmah aids youth in managing rising living costs in Kuching
KUCHING: The Jualan Rahmah MADANI programme has become a crucial support system for young Malaysians struggling with rising living costs. By offering essential goods at lower prices, the initiative helps ease financial burdens while promoting prudent spending.
Media practitioner Asyraf Halim, 34, shared how the programme has helped him manage expenses since living independently. 'Prices here are much lower than at shopping malls, allowing me to save significantly,' he said during the event at the Sarawak State Mosque compound.
Ismasuzilla Bahari, 28, from Telaga Air, echoed this sentiment, noting how the programme helps her family save RM300 to RM400 monthly on groceries. 'It's a relief for households like mine,' she added.
Zulhilmi Alet, 31, an assistant officer at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, stressed the programme's broader impact. 'Expanding it to include more local items like rice would benefit everyone, especially the B40 group,' he said.
Organised by the Sarawak State Mosque Welfare Trust Board (LKMNS) in collaboration with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), the event saw strong turnout, with stalls opening as early as 8 am.
The initiative is part of the Payung Rahmah framework under Budget 2025, designed to alleviate living costs while boosting local businesses.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Sunday (June 29, 2025)
Malaysia: * King grants audience to new IGP Mohd Khalid * No Malaysians recruited into Bangladeshi militant network, says Home Ministry * Travel agency, boat operator in Perhentian capsize incident violated several laws, says Tiong * Violent squall hits Penang and Kedah * Two children among three dead after boat capsizes off Pulau Perhentian * Lecturer reported missing while diving in Pulau Tioman found safe * Bursa Malaysia to trade in cautious mode with upside bias this week * Stronger ringgit, Fed shift could draw capital to Malaysia * Sabah PKR prepares for potential changes amid GRS video reports * Ringgit to trade around RM4.22 to RM4.23 and be firmer against the US dollar from Monday (June 30) * Postpone expanded SST to January, urges ACCCIM * Woman, boyfriend detained over teen daughter's rape * JPJ: Three out of five transport companies fail to meet safety standards * Two Sabah assemblymen, businessman to be charged with graft on June 30 * Seat belts mandatory on all express, tour buses from July 1 * Five students released as MRSM bullying case probe nears completion * Ex-ticketing clerk claims trial to 10 counts of CBT involving RM114,630 / Engineer loses RM275,000 to online 'Moomoo' investment scam Singapore singer Tanya Chua poses for photographs as she arrives for the 36th Golden Melody Awards in Taipei, Taiwan, Saturday, June 28, 2025. -- AP Photo/Billy Dai Singapore: * Singapore increases security posture amid Iran-Israel tensions * Self-driving public shuttles to hit Punggol roads in Singapore by fourth quarter * Three arrested for drug offences following police chase and car crash in Singapore's Jalan Besar * Cashback for purchases via Singapore's DBS PayLah app at hawker stalls, heartland shops returns from July 12 * Life After... being homeless and jailed seven times: Singaporean social worker now helps others break free from crime * The US-Israel-Iran saga: Uncertain truce must last - The ceasefire could mark the beginning of de-escalation in the region Indonesia: * Prabowo: Indonesia can achieve energy self-sufficiency in six years * Pilgrim flights delayed by Iran-Israel attacks arrive in Indonesia * Indonesian transport ministry acts to prevent flight disruptions amid Middle East conflict * Three killed after boat carrying soccer team capsizes in Batam * Women in drug trade sparks alarm - growing number of women caught in trade raising alarm bells in Indonesia Thailand: * UN agency pushes AI ethics standards as US-China tech rivalry deepens * Former Thai leader Sondhi plays clip of ex-PM Sarit, blasts Thaksin and Hun Sen in fiery speech * Thai PM Paetongtarn submits new cabinet list to the King * Thailand: Over 600 sacks of cannabis found in durian and coconut orchards * Thai PM visits flood-hit region as 3,700 homes inundated Philippines: * Flight to Tawi-Tawi returns to Zamboanga after technical issues: Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines * 20% of Filipinos experienced hunger in April 2025: report * British woman claims record run across Australia A worker paints the facade of a building in Singapore . - REUTERS/Edgar Su Vietnam: * Aviation authority urges heightened flight safety following aircraft collision in Hanoi * Four dead and three injured in recycling facility fire in nortern Vietnam * Vietnamese PM Chinh calls for breakthroughs in Vietnam–UK economic cooperation Myanmar: * Flag handover marks Myanmar as host of Mekong Tourism Forum in 2026 * Peace forum in Naypyidaw discusses stopping military conscription during election period * Iran voices 'serious doubts' over Israel commitment to ceasefire Cambodia: * Thai-Cambodia border closed to cargo traffic * Hun Manet: Thailand asked to reopen border, insists Cambodia didn't start closure * Deported Cambodian blacklisted as 'national security threat' Laos: * Laos reaffirms commitment to fighting drug abuse * Lao government eyes measures to ease effects of electricity price hike Brunei: * Brunei trade balance increases 3.4 per cent in April * Youth market promotes entrepreneurial spirit in Brunei Formula One F1 - Austrian Grand Prix - Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Austria - June 29, 2025McLaren's Lando Norris celebrates after winning the Austrian Grand Prix with second place driver and teammate Oscar Piastri, also of McLaren. -- REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger AseanPlus: * Malaysian musicians and artistes unhappy three main music collective bodies taking action against new govt guidelines * Push to protect 'Tambun pomelo' brand through IP registration * Labuan-Kota Kinabalu express ferry draws strong response after three-year hiatus * Oslo police announce rape and sexual assault charges against son of Norwegian crown princess * China activates emergency response to flooding in three provincial-level regions * Unruly passenger handed over to security after mid-air altercation on Air India flight * China issues yellow alerts for rainstorms, many places are expected to be hit badly on Sunday evening (June 29) * Godiva ordered by Hong Kong govt to halt dark chocolate ice cream sale after bacteria find * Hong Kong's new bounce, five years post-national security law * White House says US reaches 'understanding' with China on rare earth shipments * China opposes any tariff deal made at its expense: Commerce Ministry * UK junior trade minister visits Taiwan * Seoul taken over by 'Squid Game' * Over a third of people on sinking Tuvalu seek Australia's climate visas * Japan's final H2A rocket successfully lifts off, ends 24-year career * Nine workers missing in India's Uttarakhand after midnight cloudburst caused landslip, rescue ops underway * Lai's 'impurities' speech fuels authoritarian fears: stop before it's too late * Three killed, six injured in stampede at chariot festival in Puri, India * Samyang Foods' market cap tops 10 trillion won on buldak boom * Hong Kong civil servants have duty to identify security breaches: Chris Tang * India rejects statement by Pakistan seeking to blame it for Waziristan attack * 13 Pakistani soldiers killed in suicide bombing near Afghan border: Army * Covid-19 death toll in Bangladesh reaches 22 so far this month * Pakistan flash floods and heavy rain kill 32, including 16 children * South Korea: Ex-president Yoon under probe by special prosecutor * 'Hefty price tag' for subsidy scheme: is China's consumer boost sustainable? * Tensions escalate as Democratic Party of Korea pushes to approve PM nominee, extra budget * China dad berated for locking naked son in iron cage, claims pen prevents wandering * Nagoya teacher reportedly used school camera to take indecent photos; used camera often to make school newsletter * M'sia swimming follows football's lead as it seeks mixed heritage athletes abroad * Hong Kong has potential to become green marine fuel hub with Beijing's backing * Tennis - 'I really want to win': Confident Alcaraz targets rare Wimbledon three-peat * Badminton - Korean star Se-young close to million-dollar deal but it's still quiet for Pearly-Thinaah * Motor racing - Mercedes talk of Verstappen is a lot of noise, says Horner * Motorcycling - Marc Marquez wins Dutch Grand Prix but brother Alex crashes out * The bombing of Iran may teach an unwelcome lesson on nuclear weapons * South Korea's Lee names Koo Yun-cheol finance minister, makes other picks * Earning, but still yearning - Lifelong low wages are leaving many lower- and middle-income earners in Malaysia with inadequate retirement savings
BusinessToday
6 hours ago
- BusinessToday
Winners And Losers Of July 1 SST
On the surface, July 1, 2025, might appear to be just another day in any week. But for Malaysia's economy, it marks a turning point — one shaped not by dramatic policy overhauls or sweeping subsidies but by the quiet recalibration of its tax machinery: The expansion of the Sales and Service Tax (SST). While the move lacks the drama of past budget announcements, its long-term effects may be just as consequential. From additional levies on luxury imports to new service taxes on construction and education, the SST expansion reflects Malaysia's broader effort to modernise its tax base and close fiscal gaps. But with transformation comes uncertainty. Will the changes spark inflation? Will small businesses struggle to comply? And how will everyday Malaysians feel the pinch? BusinessToday reached out to two distinguished tax experts from KMPG Soh Lian Seng, who is the head of taxation at the firm, and Farah Rosley, a well-experienced tax consultant, to find out more about the possible impact of the Government's move to expand the Sales and Service Tax coverage. A Calculated Adjustment, Not a Broadside The government has framed the expansion as a precision tool designed to widen the tax net without affecting the masses. Essential items such as staple foods remain untouched, while the new taxes mostly fall on non-essential goods and high-value services. 'This is not a move that targets the average Malaysian. The revised SST targets luxury and discretionary segments, where consumers are more capable of absorbing slight price adjustments,' KPMG Malaysia Head of Tax Soh Lian Seng tells BusinessToday . Meanwhile, Ernst & Young Tax Consultants Sdn Bhd Malaysia Tax Leader Farah Rosley added that the impact on essential spending is expected to be marginal, but warned that discretionary items such as imported premium foods and high-end education could see a soft decline in demand as households rebalance their budgets. A Pressure Point for SMEs Soh says the revised SST targets luxury and discretionary segments, where consumers are more capable of absorbing slight price adjustments While households may experience mild indirect impacts, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) stand closer to the fault line. For many in the retail, leasing and services space, the question isn't just about taxation; it's about administrative capacity. 'Some businesses will need time to digest the compliance requirements and recalibrate pricing strategies as the transition won't be seamless, particularly for SMEs navigating already tight margins,' Farah said. That said, both Farah and Soh shared that the government has introduced exemptions for micro and small businesses under the RM1 million revenue threshold, shielding them from registration and reporting obligations. Yet, those operating at the margin may still feel squeezed, especially in sectors like rental and construction, where new tax costs are set to kick in. Moderate Inflation, but Uneven Distribution From the perspective of consumers, one of the most pressing concerns is the cost of living. While estimates suggest the SST expansion will add only 0.2 percentage points to headline inflation, the increase won't be felt uniformly, Farah said. Households paying for private healthcare (especially non-citizens), high-fee education or commercial rentals could see noticeable hikes. And while basic needs remain exempt, upstream cost increases on logistics, rents and services could trickle into everyday goods and services. Farah cautioned that indirect price effects may emerge over time. 'It's not just about what's being taxed directly. It's about how those tax burdens move through the supply chain,' she said. Agreeing with the statement, Soh said the cumulative impact, particularly in urban centres where rents and services are more embedded into the cost structure, could create modest pressure over time. Foreign Investors Watching Closely Meanwhile, Farah shared that from an international perspective, the SST expansion sends a signal that Malaysia is serious about strengthening its fiscal framework. But it's a delicate dance: The government must modernise without becoming uncompetitive. 'Foreign investors will be looking at how this policy is implemented, not just what the tax rate is, but how easy it is to comply, how transparent the rules are, and whether transitional challenges are addressed,' she added. The SST expansion sends a signal that Malaysia is serious about strengthening its fiscal framework, Farah says Malaysia's regional tax rates remain relatively modest, especially when compared with Indonesia or the Philippines, both hovering around 12%. If Malaysia can maintain clarity and efficiency in its enforcement, it may well retain its regional investment appeal despite the expanded tax scope. Sectoral Shifts: Winners and Losers Not all sectors will be affected equally. The construction industry, for instance, faces new service tax obligations on professional and subcontracting services; hence, costs are likely to be passed on to property developers, tenants and eventually, consumers. Financial services, long treated as tax-neutral for end-users, now face taxes on certain fee-based transactions. Leasing firms and even private schools may also need to revise their pricing models or risk eroding demand. 'Businesses in newly taxed sectors must act quickly. They need to re-evaluate cost structures, renegotiate supply contracts, and review their billing processes to avoid margin erosion,' warned Soh. The People's Perspective: A Subtle Squeeze For low-income households, the tax expansion may feel distant until it isn't. Though basic goods are exempt, any increase in operating costs for businesses, landlords or transport providers could eventually reach the consumer. 'There's always a risk of indirect impacts on vulnerable groups,' Farah acknowledged. 'The government may need to consider targeted subsidies or cash assistance if prices begin rising more broadly than expected.' Soh, meanwhile, emphasises that Malaysia's tax reform strategy includes these social protections by design. 'It's not perfect, but it's a thoughtful step toward fiscal sustainability,' he said. The July 1 SST expansion isn't revolutionary, but that's precisely the point. Rather than dramatic shocks, the government is aiming for fiscal reform through incremental, targeted adjustments. For some sectors and households, the impact may be noticeable. For others, the change will barely register. But taken together, these measures form a critical piece of Malaysia's long-term economic puzzle — balancing revenue needs with social equity, and investor appeal with domestic affordability. As businesses retool and consumers adjust, the true measure of this policy will lie in its execution. If the tax expansion is paired with clear guidelines, meaningful support for SMEs and safeguards for the vulnerable, Malaysia may prove that even a quiet shift can echo loudly in the economy's future. Related
The Sun
7 hours ago
- The Sun
Sweet chocolate factory experience
VISITING a chocolate factory is a fun and educational experience, given the opportunity to learn about chocolate production, indulge in sweet treats and immerse oneself in the wonders of chocolate. The classic Cadbury Dairy Milk that Malaysians are familiar with are produced at Cadbury Confectionery Malaysia in Shah Alam, a plant that employs over 250 workers. Established in 1974, the Shah Alam factory is the sole manufacturing hub for Cadbury in Southeast Asia. It makes 130 types of chocolate, producing over 14 tonnes of chocolates annually, equivalent to 100 million 135g bars. With nine production lines, the factory spans 20,000 sq ft and is as big as five basketball courts. The plant has been certified halal since 1994 and adheres to the food safety and quality standards. It embraces sustainable practices through recyclable packaging, renewable energy and sustainable cocoa sourcing, supported by Mondelēz International's global Cocoa Life initiative, which promotes the improvement of farming, communities and our planet. Mondelēz International (Malaysia & Singapore) marketing head See Mei Sin said its cocoa is sourced from Indonesia, Ghana and Ivory Coast, as local production is insufficient. See said in Southeast Asia, Malaysia is its biggest market, while the central region (Klang Valley) is the biggest market locally, making up half of the consumption and the appetite for chocolate keeps growing every year. 'We are not scaling down production (amid the Middle East crisis),' she told the media at a factory tour yesterday, following the launch of a richer, creamier and more indulgent recipe for its Cadbury Dairy Milk. 'More and more consumers are craving for richer, creamier and chocolatey bars,' said See. This upgrade also introduces a new king size 200g bar and a redesigned chunk shape across the entire range. Cadbury Dairy Milk's Purple Truck is travelling across Malaysia from July 1 to Aug 31 – an initiative that aims to connect with communities and celebrate the simple pleasures of chocolate through activities, treats and experiences. Secret to a rich creamy bar • Sugar • Cocoa mass • Milk • Cocoa butter • Vanilla How cocoa beans become a chocolate bar 1. Harvesting Cacao fruit is harvested. Each pod contains between 30 to 50 beans. 2. Fermenting Beans are removed from the pods and fermented. 3. Drying Beans are dried in the sun for two weeks. 4. Roasting Beans are roasted with care to develop the flavour. 5. Winnowing Nibs are separated from the shells. 6. Grinding Roasted nibs are crushed to form a paste. 7. Conching The chocolate mixture is conched into a smooth chocolate mixture. 8. Tempering The chocolate is carefully cooled and heated for consistency in texture, colour and flavour. Cadbury Dairy Milk bars are freshly molded and ready to be packaged. 9. Moulding The chocolate is poured into special moulds and cooled to set.
