Summary
- Government is open to studying a combination of GST and SST elements.
- Anwar Ibrahim remains opposed to a broad-based GST for now.
- He says higher living costs make wider taxation a concern.
- SST could remain the foundation of any tax reforms.
PUTRAJAYA, August 19 — Malaysia is open to studying whether selected elements of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) could be integrated with the existing Sales and Service Tax (SST), Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Tuesday.
Anwar, who is also finance minister, said the government wants a more progressive and efficient tax system but remains opposed to imposing a broad-based tax on all Malaysians for now.
He said the current cost of living meant a wider GST could place additional pressure on households. Instead, Anwar said SST could remain the foundation.
With adjustments considered where necessary as the government prepares Budget 2027.
