00:01The expansion of the sales and service tax from July 1, including a 5% rate on imported fruits, is strategically aimed at bolstering local agricultural demand and strengthening food security, says the Finance Ministry.
00:16In an interview with FMT, Treasury Secretary General Johan Mahmud Merikan outlined the government's deliberate approach to differentiate between essential and non-essential goods under the expanded tax net.
00:30There are several categories that we would like as a choice, including imported fruits and premium water food.
00:42The tiered approach aligns with the government's broader vision of supporting local farmers, fostering self-reliance and reducing dependence on foreign supply chains for food.
00:52Satu yang pihak kami ingin menjelaskan dan juga nak tegaskan bahawa buah-buahan, tempatan, or locally grown fruits, memang tiada jugajuga jualan.
01:06By making imported fruits marginally more expensive, the government hopes to encourage consumers to choose locally grown options,
01:31thereby supporting Malaysian farmers and contributing to the nation's agricultural sector.
