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News Wrap-up: Trust goes both ways

Aug 19, 2018

Guan Eng: We trust businesses to adhere to the SST

The government will use a "soft approach" towards traders and businesses, when the SST is implemented. 

Finance Minister, Lim Guan Eng says it will also trust retailers and businesses to declare their taxes honestly.

Some businesses are unsure if they are exempted from the SST, but the government will entrust them to apply for exemption, before taking any action against them.

This, as part of Pakatan Harapan's efforts to build trust between the people and their administration.

Meanwhile, the Customs Department is expecting to collect RM22 billion in revenue from the SST.

Its director-general says this includes the four new industries under the tax - gambling activities, IT, airline and charter flight services, and domestic electric supply.

He has also called for businesses that have yet to be registered under SST to register themselves immediately, as they could face problems when the SST begins September 1st.

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Restaurant owners given leeway to hire foreign cooks, on one condition

The government is willing to give restaurant owners leeway to hire foreign cooks, but on one condition...

They can only prepare traditional dishes from their countries of origin, to make sure the taste is authentic. 

However, Deputy Human Resource Minister, Datuk Mahfuz Omar says only head cooks may be foreigners, while their assistants must be local.

It also pointed out that this is a proposal, and nothing has been finalised.

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Saifuddin Nasution backs soda tax proposal

Image source: NST

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister, Datuk Saifuddin Nasution Ismail says he is intrigued by a proposal to start taxing sweet, fizzy drinks, and it should be considered.

He says it would help boost government revenue, following GST's abolition.

A soda tax would also promote healthy living, as recent reports said that Malaysia had one of the world's highest diabetes rates.

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A 'Car-free Day' in Melaka soon?

The Melaka government may implement a 'Car-free Day' in certain congested areas in the state at least once a month.

This, in order to reduce the number of vehicles on the road during peak hours and help reduce carbon emissions. 

Chief Minister, Adly Zahari hopes the move will encourage more people to walk, cycle or use public transport.