KUALA LUMPUR - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the Sales and Service Tax (SST) will be implemented more progressively and will not burden the general public starting May 1, 2025.
He stated that the sales tax would not be imposed on basic food items used by the people.
He said that the sales tax will be levied on non-essential items, such as premium imported goods like salmon and avocados.
"The scope of the service tax will be expanded to include commercial services, including businesses such as fee-based financial services.
"To ensure business continuity, the government will conduct engagement sessions with stakeholders and relevant industries before finalising the scope of the expansion and the tax rates to be imposed," he said while presenting the Malaysia Madani Budget 2025 in the Dewan Rakyat on Friday.
He added that part of the revenue will be used to improve cash assistance for the broader population, in addition to enhancing the quality of education and healthcare services.