COMMUNICATIONS Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the government is aware of growing concerns over the expanded Sales and Service Tax (SST) and is working to address it.
However, he said the SST implementation was not discussed in detail during today’s Cabinet meeting.
He added that Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan would provide further clarification soon.
"As previously stated, the revenue collected through this measure will be channelled towards the development of essential public infrastructure, including schools and hospitals," Fahmi said at a press conference today.
“With prudent financial management, reduced leakages, and strong anti-corruption measures, this policy is expected to benefit a broader segment of the population,” he added.
Separately, Fahmi, who is also the government spokesperson, confirmed that the government has ordered all Malaysians currently in Iran to leave the country due to escalating security concerns.
The decision was conveyed by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan during the Cabinet meeting earlier, with evacuations currently underway.
“The number of Malaysians in Iran, whether embassy staff, students, or tourists, is not large. They have been instructed to leave the country, and all visa-related arrangements have been finalised. God willing, they are expected to begin their journey home within the next day or two, by around 20 June,” said Fahmi.
While declining to disclose details of the evacuation for security reasons, Fahmi assured that necessary measures are in place.
On Tuesday, Wisma Putra advised Malaysians in Iran to leave immediately via any safe means available due to the worsening security situation amid heightened Iran-Israel tensions.
The Foreign Ministry, through the Malaysian Embassy in Tehran, continues to closely monitor developments on the ground. - June 18, 2025
