KOTA KINABALU: Star deputy president Datuk Kenny Chua has urged the Federal Government to reconsider the planned expansion of the Sales and Service Tax (SST), citing the strain it could place on Sabah’s cost of living.
He said clearer communication was needed on how revenue from the revised SST would directly benefit communities, particularly in economically lagging regions like Sabah.
Chua warned that without proper engagement, the timing of the SST move - just ahead of expected state elections - could raise public concern and resistance.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});He proposed that implementation be deferred until the government consults with state authorities and local stakeholders on potential impacts.
Echoing similar concerns, Sabah Umno Puteri chief Ummi Nabilah Jamal warned that many Sabahans, already earning below the national income average, may not be able to bear further costs.
She said confusion among small traders over which goods are taxed at which rate could lead to exploitation, ultimately burdening consumers.
Ummi called for a moratorium on SST expansion in Sabah and urged both federal and state governments to develop more equitable and targeted economic strategies before moving forward.
