Nabil Luqman

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Social

government

economy

electricity

responsibility

cost of living

price hike

complains

wellbeing

The scorching weather in Malaysia, with temperatures soaring to 37 or even 40 degrees Celsius in various parts of town, can be quite challenging for many residents. Seeking refuge indoors in the shade, it's common for individuals to turn up the air conditioning to create a cooler and more comfortable environment for themselves and their surroundings.
<img src="https://media1.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExdzB0N3M1enEzY2IxaXRuY2VtNXZucWVvdGtiem15ajI3d3lpb3l5dyZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfYnlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/5xtDarIN81U0KvlnzKo/giphy.gif" alt="Celebrity gif. James McAvoy leans back in an office chair, face glistening with sweat. He breathes in and out heavily, fanning himself with papers. " width="253" height="235" />
Regrettably, the cherished comfort we've all been accustomed to might undergo a shift, commencing tomorrow (March 1, 2024). A new 8% Sales and Service Tax (SST) will come into effect, requiring us to bear an additional cost in our pursuit of comfort and enjoyment.
8% SST To Be Charged If Electricity Bill Goes Over RM220 A Month
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/dfbdbadd36b70302a72999ba1c44c795cc5a86d96ca3376d997a764acbbd652c" />
The Finance Ministry has officially announced that users consuming more than 600kWh a month will incur an 8% SST charge, effective from March 1. If your monthly electricity bill exceeds RM220, you will face the 8% SST charge for surpassing 600 kWh.
For instance, utilizing the TNB Calculator, if a user's bill amounts to RM250, the 8% SST will only apply to the additional RM30, resulting in a charge of RM2.40. The total estimated bill would then be RM252.40.
Reassuringly, the Finance Ministry emphasized that only 15% of consumers in Malaysia will feel the impact of this service tax. Additionally, it clarified that the 8% SST will not be applicable to water bills. This tax hike aligns with the government's efforts to generate an additional revenue of RM3 billion, aiming to fortify Malaysia's fiscal position as outlined in the 2024 Budget.
Malaysian&rsquo;s Feeling The Pinch From The Cost Of Living Concerns
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Ada yang persoal, kenapa sektor telekomunikasi je diberi pengecualian kenaikan cukai perkhidmatan? Kenapa tak kekalkan cukai perkhidmatan 6% juga kepada perkhidmatan elektrik dan air? Jawapannya, sebab perkhidmatan elektrik bawah 600 kWj dan air tak ada cukai perkhidmatan pun&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/aLq7Wnpgsz">pic.twitter.com/aLq7Wnpgsz</a>
&mdash; Fahmi Fadzil 🇲🇾 (@fahmi_fadzil) <a href="https://twitter.com/fahmi_fadzil/status/1762781364464832632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2024</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Minister of Communications and Digital, Fahmi Fadzil, took a proactive stance to allay concerns, assuring the public that specific aspects will remain unaffected by the impending SST increase, offering a sense of reassurance. Through an insightful infographic, Fahmi meticulously outlined the upcoming SST adjustments, emphasizing that our essential commodities, including food, drinks, parking, telecom services, and those occasional late-night snacks, will remain untouched by the tax.
Despite this clarification that the new SST hike won't impact many essential aspects of Malaysians' lives, the public exhibited diverse reactions. Some breathed a sigh of relief, while others expressed frustration, echoing memories of the discontent that arose during the era of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) introduced by former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
A brief recall: GST, instituted in April 2015, garnered criticism for escalating the cost of living, leading to its eventual repeal and replacement with the SST in September 2018.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Kerajaan sekarang yang naikkan SST &amp; Hapuskan GST, Najib dalam penjara yang kau blame? 😂 <a href="https://t.co/1xukq2BFEE">https://t.co/1xukq2BFEE</a>
&mdash; Arif Azami (@baldlifter) <a href="https://twitter.com/baldlifter/status/1753594162224779577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2024</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

As a result, many individuals are forming opinions on the potential impact of SST on their daily lives, contemplating the financial pressures that could be encountered under the GST regime. This comparison underscores a deep-seated concern regarding policies perceived to increase the cost of living, especially in a post-pandemic economy where many are still navigating economic uncertainties.
Here&rsquo;s some of the comments:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
Xde sst bawah 600kwj pn tetap ada kenaikan per kw. Kenaikan per kw pn ikut kan 1.6% juga. So basically tetap ada kenaikan.
&mdash; MaeSon&trade;🚬 (@themaestroxx) <a href="https://twitter.com/themaestroxx/status/1762928371418431989?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2024</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
Kenapa SST dikenakan. Kita sudah pun bayar cukai pendapatan. Ada perkhidmatan ada; ada tiada kenakan.Amat merungsingkan. Beri penerangan jelas dan tepat.
&mdash; Selvakumaran Muthu (@SelvakumaranMu8) <a href="https://twitter.com/SelvakumaranMu8/status/1762891964989759678?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2024</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
If Singapore increase SST or GST still ok, cos their money is big. But Malaysia its already a burden to buy imported goods like laptop with a weak ringgit...
&mdash; fireflyyyyyyyyy (@skyflyingace) <a href="https://twitter.com/skyflyingace/status/1763056083835453626?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 29, 2024</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
Boleh la jadi mcm US.. kos perubatan naik, pencen lupus, subsidi rakyat takda, hidup kena berhutang ngan Bank.. sudahnya ramai merempat walau berkelulusan tinggi. Kat sana berkelulusan tinggi pun jadi pengutip sampah..
&mdash; Ragum Besi 🇲🇾 (@arbeeZONE) <a href="https://twitter.com/arbeeZONE/status/1762765180767961240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2024</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In light of Anwar Ibrahim's endeavours to boost revenue and fortify Malaysia's fiscal standing, it's essential to acknowledge that our incomes aren't seeing a corresponding increase, and the weakening ringgit adds to the financial strain. This prompts us to question the wisdom of the government's decision, particularly when many Malaysians find themselves grappling with the repercussions of a heightened cost of living.
As we navigate this economic landscape, let's be mindful not to crank up our air conditioners excessively, especially in households where multiple units may be in operation simultaneously. A measured approach to energy consumption can contribute to mitigating the impact on our expenses.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Though there’s an increase in tax, Fahmi Fadzil reminded that only certain items will be affected. 

601773447287024d37ce5f2bdb7ef219a2900865489c9637a4e20b392bc6563a

Marching Into Higher Costs: Monthly Electricity Bills Over RM220 Face 8% SST From March 1

Marching Into Higher Costs: Monthly Electricity Bills Over RM220 Face 8% SST From March 1

Though there’s an increase in tax, Fahmi Fadzil reminded that only certain items will be affected.

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