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Malay Mail
01-08-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Malaysia SME Association presses Putrajaya for urgent SST review in wake of US tariffs
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 1 — The SME Association of Malaysia has urged the government to urgently review the Sales and Services Tax (SST) framework in response to a new 19 per cent tariff on Malaysian exports to the United States. The association said the tariff, which affects key industries like electronics, rubber products and medical devices, is severely weakening the competitiveness of export-oriented SMEs. Its national president, Chin Chee Seong, said the added burden of SST at home has worsened the cost pressures caused by the external trade barrier. 'The 19 per cent US tariff is already putting immense pressure on our export-oriented SMEs, especially in sectors like electronics, rubber products, and medical devices. 'At the same time, the expanded SST has raised operational costs for businesses involved in manufacturing, leasing, logistics, and services — without any form of input tax credit to offset cascading tax effects,' Chin said in a statement. He warned that without urgent reforms, many SMEs may not survive the dual hit of international tariffs and domestic tax policies. The group is calling for immediate SST restructuring, including business-to-business exemptions for licensed manufacturers and essential service providers. It also wants the government to consider bringing back a reformed Goods and Services Tax (GST) that includes input tax credits and lower compliance costs. Chin said the SST's cascading tax effect and lack of transparency discourage formal business growth and damage supply chain efficiency. To help offset export losses, the association urged the government to increase funding for market expansion, particularly in the Halal sector and difficult markets like China and the Middle East. It said SMEs need hands-on support in areas such as branding, regulatory compliance and localisation strategies tailored to overseas markets. The association also called for faster disbursement of soft loans, digitalisation grants and other financial aid to SMEs hit hardest by the tariff. Chin stressed that a coordinated tax and export support strategy is vital to keep Malaysian SMEs competitive amid rising global and domestic pressures. This morning, US President Donald Trump announced the new tariff rate for Malaysia, down from the 25 per cent he initially planned to impose on the country over a trade deficit he believes to be evidence of unfair trade practices.
Malay Mail
17-06-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Business groups urge delay of SST expansion, warn 8pc rental tax from July 1 could derail Malaysia's recovery
KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 – Six major business associations have jointly called on the government to defer the upcoming expansion of the Sales and Service Tax (SST), warning that the move could severely harm Malaysia's economic recovery. In a joint statement, the groups warned that the imposition of 8 per cent SST on commercial rental and leasing services from July 1 could exacerbate inflation, hinder investments, and weaken consumer confidence. 'We recognise the need for fiscal consolidation, but the timing, scope and magnitude of this tax measure are gravely misguided,' the groups said in a statement here. The statement was jointly released by the SME Association of Malaysia, Malaysia Retail Chain Association, Malaysia Retailers Association, Bumiputra Retailers Organisation Malaysia, Malaysia Shopping Malls Association, and the Federation of Malaysia Business Associations. They said businesses are already under immense cost pressure from recent policies, including the hike in minimum wage, rationalisation of fuel and utility subsidies, and mandatory e-Invoicing — amid broader economic challenges like the weak ringgit and global trade uncertainty. 'Our members from sectors such as retail, logistics, manufacturing, and healthcare are struggling to cope with rising costs,' they said. The associations warned that the SST expansion would increase operating expenses for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that lease premises, and these costs would likely be passed on to consumers, fuelling inflation and shrinking purchasing power. They said unlike the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the current SST regime does not allow input tax credits, causing tax cascading and double cost exposure along the supply chain, which they said is particularly harmful for SMEs operating on slim profit margins. 'We are not against tax reform, but it must be implemented with empathy and realism,' they said, adding that a more consultative and inclusive approach is needed. The six groups presented five demands to the government: deferment of the SST expansion, reduction of the SST rate on rentals, exemptions for micro and small businesses, targeted relief for key sectors, and structured consultation with the business community. They stressed that while businesses support fiscal responsibility, it should not come at the cost of economic stability or the survival of small enterprises. On Sunday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government is retaining the SST, which is more targeted in nature, particularly on imported luxury items such as avocados and cod, products typically consumed by high-income earners.
New Straits Times
03-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Philippines, SME Association of Malaysia to spur regional support, bilateral ties
KUALA LUMPUR: The Philippines and the SME Association of Malaysia recently discussed potential cross-border collaboration, aiming to boost regional support and economic ties between the two countries. Key topics on the agenda included the digitalisation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), expanding partnerships in the halal and innovation sectors, and creating more investment opportunities for businesses. The Philippines' Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque expressed the nation's willingness to deepen engagement with Malaysian SMEs and reiterated her commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth across Asean. She extended a formal invitation to SME Association to take part in the 48th Asean SME Summit in 2026, which will be hosted by the Philippines, as a step toward enhancing regional collaboration. SME Association national president Dr Chin Chee Seong said the meeting demonstrated both countries' shared commitment to strengthening regional collaboration. He also reaffirmed the association's dedication to strengthening regional collaboration and supporting the Asean Economic Community through strategic discussions and joint efforts.
