Government has never discussed bringing back GST as alternative to cutting RON95 subsidies – Fahmi

Government has never discussed bringing back GST as alternative to cutting RON95 subsidies – Fahmi

According to communications minister Fahmi Fadzil, the government has no plans to reintroduce the goods and services tax (GST) as an alternative to removing subsidies for RON 95 petrol.

As reported by Bernama and NST, Fahmi was responding to a recent article published by Bloomberg that claimed the return of GST in lieu of the RON 95 subsidy cut. “No, there were never discussions,” he said.

The article, which cited sources familiar with the matter but preferred not to be identified, claimed that there is an emerging view in the government that bringing back the GST may be “politically easier” than removing subsidies for the widely-used RON 95 petrol as it aims to bolster its finances.

At present, the fuel subsidy rationalisation programme that came into effect in July this year has resulted in diesel prices in Peninsular Malaysia being floated. There’s still no word on when the programme will be expanded to include RON 95 petrol or how financial assistance will be provided to those who qualify.

The Program Bantuan Subsidi Madani, or Budi Madani in short, is currently available for private owners of diesel vehicles and agriculture smallholders in Peninsular Malaysia, with those that meet the requirements being provided with RM200 per month in assistance.

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Originating from the corporate world with a background in finance and economics, Gerard's strong love for cars led him to take the plunge into the automotive media industry. It was only then did he realise that there are more things to a car than just horsepower count.

 

Comments

  • fudgemesideways on Aug 30, 2024 at 9:52 am

    Why though? General populace was supportive of GST, until you had to increase everything else just not to implement GST.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • Casual reader on Aug 30, 2024 at 10:09 am

    Yes coz this useless klepto gomen will punish and enslave us with BOTH ron95 subsidy removal AND gst later when they cannot rob us enough.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Maybe cutting down non-beneficial military assets usage and perhimpunan solidariti would help.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • Bieight8 on Aug 30, 2024 at 1:06 pm

    Should bring back GST with 20% tax

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • DonkeyKong on Aug 30, 2024 at 2:16 pm

    It’s okay, these clowns know that they’re a one-term government. Doesn’t matter what they do or say, there’s not gonna be much contribution from this useless govt to the well-being of the rakyat. Next GE they’ll know what we want, with or without discussions.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
    • haters gonna hate on Sep 02, 2024 at 7:16 pm

      let’s see
      civil servants got pay rise.
      stock market rising, epf dividend up
      ringgit so strong
      all thanks to AI

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • stasta on Sep 03, 2024 at 8:58 am

      next GE
      civil servants receive pay rise
      stock market up, epf dividend up
      ringgit so strong
      I’m sure everyone knows who to vote for

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Kia Forte on Aug 30, 2024 at 2:19 pm

    Bring back GST, set at 4%. RON95 set ceiling price RM2.20 per liter (2018 price). No more subsidy rationalization drama. Win-win situation

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Wlauin on Aug 30, 2024 at 5:53 pm

    The actual people who discuss it actually the walauns.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • RM1.50/L petrol mana? on Sep 01, 2024 at 10:27 pm

    We are discussing to give our votes back to PN as alternative to this useless madanon gomen

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 6
 

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