17-07-2025
SAPP slams 10pc SST on stationery, says it hurts students, low-income
Published on: Thursday, July 17, 2025
Published on: Thu, Jul 17, 2025 Text Size: Lau warned that maintaining the current course risks exacerbating Malaysia's cost-of-living crisis while undermining educational accessibility. SANDAKAN: The Federal Government's abrupt implementation of a 10pc Sales and Services Tax (SST) on stationery since July 1 defies logic, according to Vice President of the Sabah Progressive Democratic Party (SAPP) and Tanjong Papat Division Chief Thomas Lau Chi Keong. 'This is taxation without justification.'
Advertisement 'By taxing the tools of education and small business, we're penalizing Malaysia's future productivity while squeezing households that are already at breaking point,' he said. He said the policy's ripple effects are particularly severe for students facing higher costs for basic supplies, Small Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs) operating on razor-thin margins and low-income families disproportionately impacted by price hikes. He noted that dissent has emerged from within government ranks, with Bagan Member of Parliament, Lim Guan Eng who also brother to Deputy Finance Minister, Lim Hui Ying, publicly breaking ranks to criticize the timing and implementation. 'When your own allies sound the alarm, it's time to pause and reconsider,' Lau said and urging policymakers to do something. He said there should be immediate impact assessments, engage in meaningful stakeholder consultation and explore progressive alternatives that don't burden vulnerable groups. Lau warned that maintaining the current course risks exacerbating Malaysia's cost-of-living crisis while undermining educational accessibility. * 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.
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