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SST: Govt Eases Concerns Over Sharp Price Hikes

Feb 29, 2024

The government does NOT expect prices to go up sharply once the new 8% SST rate comes into effect tomorrow.  

The Finance Ministry says only a few selected services will be impacted by the 2% increase in the tax rate. 

It will NOT involve essential services that play a big role in people's lifestyles.  

The government previously said that the existing 6% rate will be maintained for services including food and beverage, telecommunications, parking and logistics.    

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Also, the Finance Ministry assures the new SST rate will NOT affect most domestic electricity users.  

It explained that the 8% rate will only involve 15 percent of users, whose electricity usage exceeds 600 kilowatts per hour. 

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Parents must be aware of any tell-tale signs of sexual abuse among their children.  

Asmar Hamariyah Ahmad Bakhari, a social officer with the Women's Centre for Change says this includes any behavioural changes.  

For instance, a possible victim could start experiencing insomnia or becoming more introverted.   

She also urged parents to monitor their children's use of social media and the Internet, because of the threat posed by child predators.  

According to a UNICEF Malaysia report in 2021, at least 4 percent of children aged 12 to 17 face the threat of online sexual exploitation and abuse. 

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Police have arrested a suspect accused killing his girlfriend in Shah Alam last night.  

According to reports, the suspect was arguing with the victim, when he allegedly pushed her off from the 23rd floor of an apartment building.  

The Shah Alam district police chief says the suspect tested positive for drugs and has a criminal record. 

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Separately, PJ police say they have not found any criminal elements, in the death of an autistic boy who drowned in a recreational lake in Sea Park. 

For now, the case is being investigated under the child act for neglect.  

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