PETALING JAYA, October 14 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has emphasized that Malaysians must see an increase in income levels before the government can consider reintroducing the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Speaking at the annual general meeting of the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM), Anwar acknowledged that GST is a more transparent and efficient tax system but cautioned against taxing both the rich and the poor without first boosting income levels.
Anwar suggested that a gradual introduction of GST could be possible once incomes reach a minimum of RM3,000 to RM4,000. He reiterated the need for time to strengthen the economy and raise wages, noting that GST could generate more revenue than the current Sales and Services Tax (SST) but only under improved economic conditions.
