PETALING JAYA: Amid rising concerns about the expanded Sales and Service Tax (SST), the Finance Ministry has stepped in to reassure Malaysians that everyday necessities — like rice, sugar, and cooking oil — will remain tax-free.
In a statement released on June 9, the Ministry clarified that while a 5% sales tax will be applied to locally manufactured goods and imports under the new SST rules starting July 1, many basic food items will not be affected.
“If the fruits are imported, they will carry a 5% tax,” the Ministry noted, but added a comforting detail: fruits grown in Malaysia will remain exempt. It’s part of a broader effort to ensure that essential goods remain accessible to all.
More importantly, staple items like rice, wheat, sugar, salt, and meat — even when imported — will not be taxed. These are viewed as essential to daily life and the average household table, and the government is committed to keeping them affordable.
Cooking oil made from both locally produced and imported palm oil is also exempt, and refined sugar will not be subject to any SST.
The Finance Ministry emphasized that this move is part of a bigger plan to strengthen Malaysia’s financial health, broaden its tax base, and ensure the country’s future growth — all while being careful not to burden the rakyat with additional costs on the essentials they rely on most.
This update comes as a breath of fresh air for many families navigating the current economic challenges, proving that while the government is working to stabilize the economy, it has not lost sight of the needs of the people.
