MOHE reviewing SST impact on students

New Straits Times

a day ago

KOTA BARU: The Higher Education Ministry is currently reviewing the impact of the expanded Sales and Service Tax (SST) on students, particularly those pursuing studies abroad.
Its minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said a comprehensive study is being conducted to assess the implications from all angles, including on international students coming to Malaysia.
"We are in the midst of conducting a detailed review on how the SST expansion may affect students, including those studying overseas.
"Currently, we are focusing on the international student segment as they, too, will be affected by the SST," he said.
Zambry who is Barisan Nasional secretary-general said this after launching Pengkalan Chepa Umno division delegates' meeting here today.
He urged all parties, especially students, to wait for the ministry's official announcement once the findings of the study are finalised.
Zambry had previously instructed all university vice-chancellors to examine whether the SST expansion, which came into effect on July 1, has contributed to an increase in higher education costs, either directly or indirectly.
He said they're looking into the claims of rising costs.
"What the government has announced mainly involves higher fees for international students due to the increase in tariffs or taxes on education-related services.
"We have engaged stakeholders and collected feedback.
"However, we also suspect there could be other cost elements affecting local students, such as utility bills, especially electricity, for those staying in rented accommodation," he said.
Zambry reiterated that the ministry is taking the matter seriously and that the study will help ensure that the implementation of the SST does not place an undue burden on students.