Latest news with #importedFruits
Free Malaysia Today
10 hours ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Govt to review SST expansion for imported fruits, says Zahid
Deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said even though the SST is to protect the local fruit industry, not all fruits can be produced in Malaysia. (Envato Elements pic) PETALING JAYA : The government will review the revision and expansion of the sales and service tax for imported fruits within the next month, following concerns raised by industry players. Deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the government had taken note of the various views put forth and would reconsider the list of taxable items. He said the matter would be brought to the Cabinet before a decision is made, taking into account the needs of lower-income citizens. 'Our country does not produce apples or mandarin oranges. Even though the SST is to protect the local fruit industry, we must understand that not all fruits can be produced here. 'I believe an adjustment will be made to the list of goods taxable by 5-10% under the SST. I am certain the finance and economy ministries are thoroughly studying the matter,' Utusan Malaysia reported him as saying. He emphasised that the matter would still need the consideration of the Cabinet. Previously, the finance ministry said the expansion of the SST from July 1, including a 5% rate on imported fruits, was strategically aimed at bolstering local agricultural demand and strengthening food security. Treasury secretary-general Johan Mahmood Merican outlined the government's deliberate approach to differentiate between essential and non-essential goods under the expanded tax net. He said the 5% SST on imported fruits served as a strategic nudge to consumers, encouraging the consumption of local alternatives and strengthening the nation's food security. 'Optional goods with alternatives are subject to 5% SST, but locally produced fruits are not subject to the sales tax,' said Johan.
Malay Mail
12 hours ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Zahid says Cabinet to rethink SST on imported fruits like apples, oranges, to avoid weighing down low wage earners
BANGI, June 19 — The government will review the implementation of the revised and expanded Sales and Services Tax (SST) on several selected imported goods, including fruits such as apples and mandarin oranges, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said today. He noted that the fruits are not produced locally but are fully imported, and therefore the tax should be reconsidered before imposing a rate of between five and 10 per cent. 'I believe it is reasonable for (the new SST rate on certain goods) to be reviewed and I think there will be an adjustment for certain materials to be categorised for tax at five to 10 per cent. '(But) don't take that conclusively,' he told reporters after officiating the Community Development Department (Kemas) Teachers' Day Celebration here. Earlier, Mydin Holdings Bhd managing director Datuk Ameer Ali Mydin Mohamed described the move to impose SST on imported fruit as unreasonable, saying it would also affect low-income consumers. Responding to this, Ahmad Zahid said the views raised by Ameer Ali should be brought to the Cabinet meeting, as the issue concerns public access to imported fruits. 'The revenue from fruit tax to the country is not that high. So if SST is imposed, the price will increase. 'I know the purpose (of imposing SST on imported fruits) is to protect local fruits but we do not produce apples and mandarin oranges. I am sure the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Economy are also looking into the matter,' he said. On June 9, the government announced a targeted SST review set to take effect from July 1, 2025. The sales tax rate will remain unchanged for essential goods, while a five or 10 per cent rate will be applied to non-essential or discretionary goods. The scope of service tax has also been expanded to cover six new categories: rental or leasing, construction, finance, private healthcare, education, and beauty. — Bernama
Malay Mail
12 hours ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
DPM Zahid: Govt to review SST on some imports including non-local fruits like apples, mandarin oranges
BANGI, June 19 — The government will review the implementation of the revised and expanded Sales and Services Tax (SST) on several selected imported goods, including fruits such as apples and mandarin oranges, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said today. He noted that the fruits are not produced locally but are fully imported, and therefore the tax should be reconsidered before imposing a rate of between five and 10 per cent. 'I believe it is reasonable for (the new SST rate on certain goods) to be reviewed and I think there will be an adjustment for certain materials to be categorised for tax at five to 10 per cent. '(But) don't take that conclusively,' he told reporters after officiating the Community Development Department (Kemas) Teachers' Day Celebration here. Earlier, Mydin Holdings Bhd managing director Datuk Ameer Ali Mydin Mohamed described the move to impose SST on imported fruit as unreasonable, saying it would also affect low-income consumers. Responding to this, Ahmad Zahid said the views raised by Ameer Ali should be brought to the Cabinet meeting, as the issue concerns public access to imported fruits. 'The revenue from fruit tax to the country is not that high. So if SST is imposed, the price will increase. 'I know the purpose (of imposing SST on imported fruits) is to protect local fruits but we do not produce apples and mandarin oranges. I am sure the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Economy are also looking into the matter,' he said. On June 9, the government announced a targeted SST review set to take effect from July 1, 2025. The sales tax rate will remain unchanged for essential goods, while a five or 10 per cent rate will be applied to non-essential or discretionary goods. The scope of service tax has also been expanded to cover six new categories: rental or leasing, construction, finance, private healthcare, education, and beauty. — Bernama
