Latest news with #localfruits
Malay Mail
18 hours ago
- Health
- Malay Mail
Imported fruits getting too pricey? Here are local alternatives that outshine them in nutrition
KUALA LUMPUR, June 30 — With the revised and expanded Sales and Service Tax (SST) on imported goods set to take effect next month, Malaysians are bracing for a significant increase in the prices of imported fruits. Earlier this month, the government announced a targeted SST review that will take effect on July 1, 2025, which will include imported fruits, except apples and oranges. With the new taxes in place, consumers may find imported fruits like berries, grapes, and cherries becoming more expensive. However, Malaysia has a diverse range of local fruits that not only rival but often surpass their imported counterparts in nutritional value. As a result, budget-conscious Malaysians may turn to these local alternatives, which offer both flavour and nutrition. Local fruits that beat imports While enjoying a diverse array of fruits from around the world is certainly a delightful experience, it's equally important to recognise and appreciate the worthy options found locally. Here's a list of local fruits that can be a great alternative to their imported counterparts in terms of nutrition and minerals: Apples vs guava While apples are often branded as a healthy fruit for their fibre content and low-calorie count, guava steps up with even higher fibre and an impressive vitamin C boost, offering antioxidant benefits that surpass those of apples. For comparison, 100g of guava contains 5.4g of dietary fibre compared to an apple, which only has 2.4g. The same amount of guava also has an impressive 228mg of vitamin C, while apple only has 4.6mg. Blueberries vs mangosteen Known for their antioxidant properties, blueberries are often sought after for their antioxidant content. Mangosteen, with its potent xanthones, offers similar antioxidant benefits plus additional anti-inflammatory effects. Research suggests that xanthones offer a range of potential health benefits, including anti-cancer, and antimicrobial properties. Grapes vs langsat Grapes are a popular source of antioxidants and Vitamin K, responsible for bone health and the healing of injuries. Langsat, on the other hand, offers similar benefits, plus it contains B vitamins that are crucial for energy production. Strawberries vs rambutan Both these fruits are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Rambutan also offers vitamin A and other minerals such as manganese, copper, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Orange vs papaya Papaya is a great substitute for oranges when it comes to vitamin C content. For comparison, 100g of papaya provides over 60mg of vitamin C, which is about 20 per cent higher than an equivalent serving of orange. Malaysia boasts a variety of local fruits that offer superior nutrition and minerals compared to their imported counterparts. — Picture by Firdaus Latif Do imported fruits have higher nutritional value? Despite a common perception that imported fruits are more premium, largely due to their exotic appeal and higher price tags, local fruits may often be a fresher alternative to their imported counterparts. The perceived superiority of imported fruits is often linked to branding and prestige, overlooking key aspects such as freshness and nutritional value in homegrown fruits. Additionally, imported fruits, by nature of their long journey from their country of origin, must go through rigorous logistical processes to reach Malaysian shelves. These processes often include treatments like waxing and deep freezing to stretch shelf life. For instance, apples and citrus fruits are sometimes coated with a thin layer of wax to preserve moisture and maintain their appearance during the multi-week shipping transit, haulage, and sorting before they hit the shelves. Such processes and the lengthy journey can often impact their taste, texture or even nutritional value. In contrast, Malaysian fruits, being locally grown and harvested, offer greater freshness. Often picked at peak ripeness, the short supply chain from local farms to markets means that they are less likely to undergo any preservation processes, making them an even healthier option.
Free Malaysia Today
16-06-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Imported fruit tax to drive local demand, bolster food security
The 5% SST on imported fruits is designed to encourage the consumption of local alternatives and strengthen the nation's food security. PETALING JAYA : The expansion of the sales and service tax (SST) from July 1, including a 5% rate on imported fruits, is strategically aimed at bolstering local agricultural demand and strengthening food security, says the finance ministry. In an interview with FMT, 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. The 5% SST on imported fruits, implemented alongside broader adjustments for public service enhancement and fiscal stability, serves as a strategic nudge to consumers. This specific measure is designed to encourage the consumption of local alternatives and strengthen 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. The tiered approach aligns with the government's broader vision of supporting local farmers, fostering self-reliance and reducing dependence on foreign supply chains for food. By making imported fruits marginally more expensive, the government hopes to encourage consumers to choose locally grown options, thereby supporting Malaysian farmers and contributing to the nation's agricultural sector. This could lead to a boost in domestic production, variety and availability of local fruits. Johan said local fruit production is growing, while the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority is working to improve the quality of produce like honeydew and pineapples to offer high-quality and affordable local alternatives. The additional revenue generated from the SST expansion, including that from imported goods, is earmarked for critical public services and social safety nets. This includes increased allocations for initiatives like Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara), providing RM100 monthly for basic necessities to 5.4 million Malaysians, and substantial investments in healthcare, such as over RM1 billion for permanent contracts and RM400 million for upgrading dilapidated clinics. Johan said the overall SST expansion has been carefully designed to minimise the impact on the B40 and M40 income groups and protect their purchasing power. 'The ministry is focussed on daily necessities,' he added. Essential food items — including chicken, meat, shrimp, local vegetables, rice, as well as basic processed foods like wheat flour, sardines, sugar, bread, milk and palm oil — medicines and books will remain zero-rated. Johan said it is the government's belief that strategically leveraging the SST can achieve multiple objectives, namely boosting state revenue, enhancing public services and encouraging sustainable domestic practices, such as supporting local agriculture for greater food security.
