Latest news with #non-Malaysians
The Star
24-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Suhakam suggests electronic postal votes for overseas Malaysians
The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) suggests electronic postal votes to improve the voting system for Malaysians overseas. The Suhakam Report 2023, presented in the Dewan Rakyat, highlighted critical issues in the postal voting system after the 14th and 15th General Elections. Problems included high courier costs, short registration periods, ballot accessibility, spoiled votes due to discrepancies, and difficulty finding Malaysian witnesses overseas. "On November 23, 2023, Suhakam held a webinar discussing issues related to overseas postal voting," it said in the report presented on Thursday (July 24). The webinar featured a panel from the Election Commission, the Foreign Ministry, Global Bersih, a researcher from NETGRIT Indonesia, and a former Director of Elections from New Zealand. Participants proposed recommendations such as exploring electronic voting, allowing non-Malaysians as witnesses, and early registration for overseas postal voters. The Commission also recommended enhancing safety and efficiency to reduce technical errors during the postage of ballots. "The number of Malaysians abroad voting by post is increasing due to legal amendments expanding voting rights," it added. These changes include lowering the voting age to 18 and automatic registration for all Malaysians turning 18. These amendments have significantly increased overseas postal voters, and issues faced by them have been reported to Suhakam. Meanwhile, a total of 39 MPs will debate the Suhakam Report 2023 on Thursday.
New Straits Times
23-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
RON95 price cut: One of government's best initiatives, says expert
KUALA LUMPUR: The government's decision to reduce RON95 fuel price to RM1.99 per litre is probably one of the government's best initiatives to date, said tax expert Datuk Harjit Singh Sidhu. He said the reduction in petrol price removes a common excuse used by businesses to justify price hikes. "I foresee prices of goods and services coming down as transportation costs decline. The next question now is whether businesses will pass these savings on to consumers," he told Business Times. Harjit also welcomed the decision to charge non-Malaysians the unsubsidised market price for petrol, noting that this would help stabilise government cash flow. On the toll freeze on 10 major highways and the government's RM500 million compensation to concessionaires, Harjit acknowledged the strain it could place on public finances but stressed the importance of prioritising the people's immediate needs. "Toll charges are part of the cost of doing business. Any increase would raise logistics and retail prices. "We can't get the best of everything . I believe the government is looking at what's important as of now," he said. He advised pausing new infrastructure developments temporarily to focus on safeguarding livelihoods of the B40 and M40 income groups. "This toll freeze should be seen as a proactive move in assisting those in needs in general. "To curb long-term concession planning, proper costing and town planning is required and government should consider more privatisation and reducing government participation. "But at the same time, it shoud consider enforcing price control to avoid profiteering and any form of indirect increase in the general business cost for business owners," he added.
Sinar Daily
30-06-2025
- Business
- Sinar Daily
Major changes coming to Malaysia on July 1: SST expansion, electricity tariff overhaul
Essential goods remain exempt from sales tax to ensure affordability for the public. Photo generated by Sinar Daily SHAH ALAM - As July 1 approaches, Malaysians are set to face several changes, including an expanded Sales and Services Tax (SST), a revamped electricity tariff structure and other key policy updates aimed at enhancing fiscal sustainability and energy efficiency. These adjustments, while designed to strengthen the nation's economy and governance are likely to have an impact on households, businesses and consumers. SST Expansion & New Service Tax - Sales tax (five to 10 per cent) broadened Essential goods remain exempt from sales tax to ensure affordability for the public. This includes unprocessed foods such as chicken, beef, seafood like tilapia and prawns and staples such as rice, oats and wheat. Other exempt items include books, school supplies, cooking oil, medicines, construction materials, fertilisers and basic food products like flour and noodles. Luxury and semi-premium goods such as abalone, lobster, quinoa, cheese and smartphones are taxed at five per cent. Some goods, including king crab, salmon and industrial machinery, will see an increase in rates to five per cent. The highest tax rate applies to luxury goods such as caviar, shark fin, alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, cigars and premium leather items. Additionally, tungsten scrap, racing bicycles and handmade artwork now fall under the 10 per cent tax bracket. - Service tax scope widened New taxable services include: Rental/leasing (commercial property, equipment) Construction (non-residential) Financial services (commissions, brokerage, fee‑based services) Private healthcare for non-Malaysians Private education/higher ed (non‑Malaysians) Businesses have until Dec 31, 2025 to comply with no penalties during transition. Overhaul of Electricity Tariff Structure The previous tiered pricing system for domestic users is being replaced by a structure with five key components: Energy, Automatic Fuel Adjustment (AFA), Capacity, Network and Retail. Energy Charge: Domestic users will pay 27.03 sen/kWh for monthly usage up to 1500kWh, and 37.03 sen/kWh for usage above 1500kWh. Capacity Charge: A fixed charge of 4.55 sen per kWh. Network Charge: A fixed charge of 12.85 sen per kWh. Retail Charge: A fixed monthly charge of RM10. What you can do Shopping: Budget for small price hikes on premium imported items like salmon and cheese. Electricity Bills: Monitor your July bill closely. Consider switching to Time-of-Use (ToU) scheme to better manage your consumption. Business Compliance: Companies affected by new service taxes should register, revise their invoicing systems and update tax compliance mechanisms promptly. Stay Informed: Watch for monthly AFA announcements from Tenaga Nasional Berhad and the Energy Commission to understand any fuel-based billing changes. More Like This
The Star
25-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
EPF stepping up engagement efforts ahead of contributions for foreign workers
PETALING JAYA: To ensure the smooth implementation of a new legislation mandating retirement contributions to non-Malaysians, the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) is intensifying its engagement and consultation efforts with employers and key stakeholders. According to EPF, the new legislation, where both employee and employer contribution rates are set at 2% of monthly wages, will take effect with salaries for October, for the contribution month of November this year. EPF said since the announcement was made during the unveiling of Budget 2025 last year, it has conducted over 30 stakeholder engagement sessions to date. 'These sessions have included briefings and consultations with the Home Ministry, the Immigration Department, the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers, NGOs, and representatives from the employer and foreign worker groups. 'This comprehensive stakeholder engagement approach helps ensure alignment between policy direction and the level of readiness to support the effective implementation of the new policy across the ecosystem,' said EPF in a statement on Wednesday (June 25). EPF also said the stakeholder engagement approach helps to raise awareness among employers and employees, and to provide clear and easily accessible information on the mechanisms for employer and employee registration, as well as as contribution payments. At the same time, EPF also said the expansion of the mandatory EPF coverage to non-Malaysians marks a significant step forward in supporting the national agenda of ensuring that all workers, regardless of nationality, have access to social protection. Meanwhile, EPF said employers are required to register their companies with the EPF to ensure a smooth transition and compliance with the expansion of the mandatory EPF contribution coverage to non-Malaysian citizen employees. Employer registration can be done online via the official EPF website or at any EPF office nationwide. For more information, please visit or contact the EPF Contact Centre and Service advisors at +603-8922 6000.
Daily Express
11-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Private hospitals call for delay to 6% SST for non-Malaysians
Published on: Wednesday, June 11, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jun 11, 2025 By: FMT Reporters Text Size: Several associations raised concerns about the potential impact on service accessibility, pricing transparency, and operational preparedness, especially for sectors like healthcare. (Envato Elements pics) PETALING JAYA: Private hospitals are urging the finance ministry to postpone the implementation of the 6% sales and service tax (SST) on private healthcare services for non-Malaysians, set to take effect on July 1. In a statement, the Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM) raised concerns over the implementation timeframe, saying 'private hospitals will need sufficient lead time to adjust administrative systems, billing processes, and compliance procedures'. Advertisement APHM also said it had sent a written request to the finance ministry today for a 'more practical timeline'. 'This is to allow for a smoother transition, minimise disruption to patient services, and help ensure full compliance with the new requirements.' APHM also said it had sought further clarification on the policy's application, including its impact on professional fees, treatment of foreigners residing in Malaysia, and other related implementation matters. The finance ministry announced two days ago that the service tax would be expanded to include rent, lease, construction, financial services, private healthcare, and education, with hopes that it would help generate RM51.7 billion in SST revenue next year. Under this policy, private hospitals will charge a 6% SST on healthcare services provided to foreign nationals. Since the announcement, several associations have raised concerns about the potential impact on service accessibility, pricing transparency, and operational preparedness, especially for sectors like healthcare and education which serve many non-Malaysians including foreign workers, expatriates, and international students. * 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. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
