Kerajaan terbuka kaji gabung GST, SST

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim revealed that the government is considering merging the characteristics of Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Sales and Services Tax (SST) to improve the country's tax system. During a session on the 2027 Budget in the Ministry of Finance, Anwar stated that while SST will remain the foundation of the tax system, certain features of GST could be adopted if they contribute to a better and progressive tax system.

Anwar expressed his concerns about the concept of GST alone, emphasizing that it would impose taxes on taxpayers who have never paid any before. He questioned how the government could justify such a move, especially considering the rising costs of living and the burden on the public. Anwar acknowledged that a partial adaptation of the SST could be considered, but the core of the tax system would still be SST.

The Prime Minister stressed that any implementation of the tax system should not burden the public as a whole. He reiterated that the foundation of the tax system remains SST. However, he was open to accepting certain features of GST if they could enhance the overall tax system. Anwar emphasized that GST is a broad-based tax that applies to all citizens, regardless of income, including small fishers, farmers, and street vendors.

He expressed his disagreement with taxing the entire population, stating that he did not want to impose a uniform tax on the public.