
Other ways to increase government funds
RATHER than expanding the sales and service tax (SST), the government should consider reaching an agreement with our Asean neighbours to collectively and gradually increase corporate tax on foreign direct investors (FDI) as well as the wealth tax on the T20 (top 20% income earners) in our respective countries.
Imposing such taxes is far more effective than expanding the SST, which will only worsen the socioeconomic status of the B40 (low income) and M40 (middle income) groups one way or the other.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


New Straits Times
43 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Malaysia may miss net zero target without nuclear energy
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia may fall short of achieving its net zero emissions target by 2050 if nuclear energy is excluded from its future energy mix, said Energy Transition and Water Transformation Deputy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir. Speaking at the Energy Asia 2025, Akmal described nuclear power as the big elephant in the room in the nation's energy transition strategy, stressing its importance in providing a stable baseload to replace fossil fuels as the country phases down coal, oil and gas. "From my point of view, I think without nuclear, we may not get net zero by 2050. So bear in mind, this is something that we have to really consider," he said during a panel session. While nuclear is not classified as renewable, Akmal said it is regarded as one of the essential categories within energy generation. He revealed that the ministry has already begun internal scenario planning on nuclear, although the final decision would require both government and public readiness. "Hopefully, when government decides to full-fledged going for the nuclear, not just government, the public will also be ready to face the reality that in order for us to achieve net zero by 2050, nuclear is the way to go," he added. Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan added that Malaysia must remain open to technologies already proven globally, especially as Asean nations work together to strengthen grid connectivity and energy security. He said Malaysia and the region should not shy away from exploring all proven technologies — including nuclear power. "We should also look at newer technology. Newer from Malaysia's point of view, but not newer from the world's point of view. So if nuclear is on the table, we should look at it," he said.


Daily Express
44 minutes ago
- Daily Express
Asean power grid vital for sustainable future, says DPM
Published on: Tuesday, June 17, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jun 17, 2025 By: FMT, Tan Chin Tung, Natasha Busst Text Size: KUCHING: The Asean Power Grid (APG) is the cornerstone for cultivating a resilient and sustainable energy future across the region, says deputy prime minister Fadillah Yusof. Fadillah, who is also the energy transition and water transformation minister, said the APG – a regional initiative to connect the electricity grids of Southeast Asian nations – envisions a region where electricity flows seamlessly across borders, energy security is collectively upheld, and the prosperity of one nation benefits all. Advertisement He said the full realisation of the APG requires stronger political will, deeper technical cooperation, and smarter investment strategies. 'The APG is about leveraging our shared geography and complementary resources to build a future that is greener, more inclusive, and more secure. 'By interconnecting our national grids, we are creating the backbone of a truly integrated Asean energy market,' he said at the welcoming dinner of the Asean Senior Officials Meeting on Energy here today. Organised by his ministry, the dinner, themed 'Harmony in Diversity', featured cultural performances and local cuisine that reflected the unique heritage of Sarawak's diverse communities. Senior energy officials and delegates from Asean member states were introduced to the state's vibrant traditions and culture. Fadillah reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to the energy transition agenda through the expansion of renewable energy capacity, the strengthening of energy efficiency, and the promotion of low-carbon innovations. He expressed his gratitude to the dialogue partners and international organisations for their support, particularly through technical expertise and investment, in helping to achieve shared goals. Renewing the APG memorandum of understanding is one of the two key objectives of the energy meeting here from June 16 to 18, alongside establishing a framework for subsea power cable projects. Aligned with the APG, the first phase of the Laos-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project saw up to 100 megawatts (MW) of hydropower being imported from Laos to Singapore through Thailand and Malaysia via existing interconnectors. Last year, the four countries announced plans to take things further with phase two, which aims to double the electricity traded, from 100 MW to a maximum of 200 MW. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia

Malay Mail
an hour ago
- Malay Mail
Port Klang Authority defends tariff revision, says move curbs yard congestion, boosts efficiency
KUALA LUMPUR, June 17 — The Port Klang Authority (PKA) yesterday clarified that its tariff rates will remain among the most competitive in the region. Its general manager, K Subramaniam, said that even after the staggered increases are fully implemented in 2027, Port Klang's tariffs will still be between 5.0 per cent and 185 per cent lower than those of other Asean ports. Refuting claims by several parties regarding the recent tariff revision, Subramaniam said Port Klang's overall cost competitiveness reinforces its strategic role as the preferred logistics and transshipment hub for global logistics and distribution centres. 'In Port Klang's latest tariff revision, a comprehensive benchmarking exercise was conducted against neighbouring and regional ports. Despite the revision, Port Klang's tariff rates will remain among the most competitive in the region. 'The overall cost competitiveness reinforces Port Klang's strategic positioning as the preferred logistics and transshipment hub for global logistics and distribution centres,' said Subramaniam in a statement yesterday. He clarified that it was incorrect to assume all container volumes in Port Klang would be subject to the full increase, as this ignores key factors such as phased implementation, free storage periods, and the fact that a significant portion of cargo is transshipment, which is priced differently. He added that the last tariff review was conducted a decade ago, and storage rates have remained unchanged for nearly six decades. Subramaniam said that at just RM4 per twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU), the storage rate has remained unchanged since 1966. This has been a major contributor to yard congestion, as the port has been used as a low-cost, long-term storage option, leading to inefficient use of terminal facilities. He said the revised charges are aimed at improving cargo turnaround by discouraging long-term storage and easing yard congestion, thereby enhancing operational efficiency. To this end, Subramaniam noted that port users who move containers within the free storage period would not be affected by the targeted increases. 'The revised rates consider contemporary logistics solutions within the supply chain and support responsible storage usage in the ports, thereby facilitating more productive and efficient operations,' he added. Far from undermining Malaysia's competitiveness, he said the tariff revision is designed to strengthen Port Klang's position as a regional logistics hub by enabling continued investment in capacity, technology and sustainability. This will ultimately benefit manufacturers, exporters and importers, and advance Malaysia's trade ecosystem. 'The Port Klang tariff revision is a measured and necessary step to ensure long-term service quality, operational efficiency and infrastructure readiness. 'Before the tariff was approved, a comprehensive and detailed study was undertaken. As a result, the quantum of the rate increase was reduced and implemented through a staggered three-year plan,' he said. In response to concerns that the revision would significantly raise consumer goods prices, PKA clarified that port charges represent only a small fraction of the total cost to consumers. 'Typically, a 20-foot container carrying 20 tonnes of cargo will see an increase in handling charges of just 0.45 sen per kilogram,' he added. — Bernama