THEY told us it wouldn’t burden the rakyat. They said the rakyat-friendly Sales and Services Tax (SST) is better than the Goods and Services Tax (GST). We were assured that it wouldn’t be burdensome (that only the wealthy will have to bear with additional taxes).
But week after week, we are watching U-turn after U-turn. One day, apples and oranges are taxed. The next day, they are off the list (due to excessive opposition from the rakyat).
The day after that, beauty salons found themselves in the list. On June 27, they clarified that beauty services are exempted as the Madani government fine-tuned its SST roll-out (this means manicures, pedicures, facials and haircuts will remain exempt under the revised tax regime).
But there is always tomorrow when they say “oh sorry, misinterpreted”.
What is going on? The SST is going up from o% to 8% while it now covers a wider scope.
Imported fruits, hair salons (exempted for now as they fall under beauty services), gym memberships – even daycare and pre-school services get included.
Yes, businesses pay the taxes upfront but they are not going to absorb the cost. They will eventually pass it on to us, the rakyat. Every cup of coffee, every meal, every facial (exempted for now), every trip to the grocer will from tomorrow (July 21) incur additional cost.
So tell us, how is this any different from GST?
Policy flip-flop
Now we have e-invoicing apparently to promote transparency (already took off in phases starting with companies exceeding RM100 mil in annual revenue since Aug 1, 2024).
But let’s be honest. This is not just about the big players. This is about monitoring our every transaction. Where we makan. where we shop or how much we spend. Soon, even nasi lemak bungkus may need a receipt!
They claimed that it’s all about plugging leakages. But until when should man-on-the street Malaysians have to bear with the cost of “reforms” that only further pressure them?
Shop owners are already struggling. With the SST increase, landlords are hiking up rental, some up to 8%. If shop rental in the past was RM50,000/month, the rate now could be RM54,000/month or more.
Notwithstanding, this, traders will be forced to once again raise the prices of goods that we are paying. From your morning coffee to your baju to your skincare, everything now carries the weight of bad policymaking.
PMX contradicting himself?
Anwar used to say GST was unfair because it taxed everyone. His election pledge has been never to burden the rakyat.
But there is hardly any difference between GST and SST now. SST is ultimately our responsibility. E-invoices control our spending.
Expect prices of goods to ballon, the same applies to rental and services rendered. What has happened to the promise of reform?
Instead of taxing the super-rich, chasing after billions lost in corruption or reducing government waste, this government chooses the easiest target – ordinary Malaysians.
So we ask until when will you squeeze the people or treat them as your cash cows?
We’re not against tax reforms. But don’t lie to us. Don’t say “we’re protecting the rakyat” when every policy says otherwise.
Don’t say “this won’t burden you” when the receipt shows otherwise. Don’t treat the rakyat as fools. We are watching. We are calculating. We are angry.
And this anger – just like our bills – is building up! – June 30, 2025
Raja Sara Petra – daughter of the late controversial political blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin (RPK) – is the Batu UMNO Puteri wing EXCO member. Her thoughts first appeared on her Facebook page on June 28, 2025.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Main image credit: Sara Petra/Facebook
