Unity government open to talks on expanded SST implementation

New Straits Times

10 hours ago

BANTING: The unity government remains open to discussions if there are parties who believe certain goods should be exempted from the expanded Sales and Services Tax (SST).
Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said that although the tax expansion is being implemented, it does not mean the government has shut its doors on negotiations or discussions over the matter.
"Based on what the unity government has done so far, it seems there is room for negotiation.
"If there is a need, especially for basic daily necessities, it can be brought to the government's attention.
"The door for negotiations is not completely closed, but there must be a clear basis to justify the exemption of certain items from tax," he said when asked whether the government was still open to discussions following the expanded SST implementation starting this month.
Earlier, Mohamad, who is also the Foreign Minister, launched the Kuala Langat Umno division delegates' meeting that was attended by 460 delegates from 90 branches at Dewan Sri Jugra here today.
Yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had said the SST should be implemented with a more flexible approach, particularly concerning basic food items.
Zahid also said he had also raised the matter with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, suggesting that apples, oranges, and dates be exempted from the tax, with the cabinet agreeing that SST would not apply to those three food items.