PAS Federal Territory commissioner Ustaz Azhar Yahya has condemned the government’s expanded service tax, calling it unjust, cruel, and inhumane amid rising living costs.
“The increase in prices of goods, house rent, food, and various other service costs is already suffocating the people. Now, the government is adding to their burden with a new tax that will inevitably be passed on to consumers,” he said.
Azhar questioned the rationale behind the tax hike when the rakyat are still struggling economically, asking, “Who will actually bear this burden? Is the government willing to see the people continue to be crushed by debt and higher financial service costs? The government cannot keep turning the people into ‘tax collection machines’.”
PAS demanded that the tax expansion be halted immediately pending an in-depth impact study, urging inclusive consultations with non-governmental organisations, economists, and industries.
Azhar warned that PAS will continue to raise its voice – or take to the streets – if the government ignores public suffering.
Meanwhile, the Perlis PAS Women’s Wing has also voiced concern over the federal government’s economic policies, saying they severely burden low-income groups, single mothers, the elderly, and small traders.
Its chief, Norshahirah Mat Salleh, criticised recent decisions such as diesel subsidy cuts, which have triggered sharp hikes in basic goods prices without effective control. She also cited rising electricity tariffs and expanded SST amid stagnant incomes, questioning the government’s compassion. — July 5, 2025
