PETALING JAYA: It is unfair to categorise individuals under the top 15% income group (T15) as “ultra rich” based solely on their household income, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
The MCA president said the T15 group, labelled as ultra-wealthy by the government, appears to consist of prominent business and corporate figures, many of whom carry titles such as Datuk and Datuk Seri.
“These individuals reportedly possess immense wealth and assets, often running into millions or billions, and own numerous bungalows and luxury cars. They are also known for their frequent travels abroad via private jets,” he said in a video posted in his Facebook page.
Dr Wee, however, said T15 also includes people who are not millionaires – some not even particularly wealthy.
"Take, for example, a married couple who are both teachers at the DG48 level, having taught for 15 years, with a combined income of around RM14,000 a month.
"They own a house, two cars, and have three children.
"Similarly, a couple who are both civil servants or PTD officers are also classified as T15 ultra-wealthy. Is this logical?" he asked.
Dr Wee also said those working in statutory bodies or government-linked companies (GLCs), where salaries are typically higher than in the government sector can also be considered as part of the T15 group.
He said according to the Household Income Survey (HIS) and Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) in the open data system by Malaysia’s Department of Statistics as of 2022, T15 starts with a household income of RM13,925 and above.
He cited the statement by Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli who announced that the government would not use income as a benchmark for implementing targeted subsidies.
He then questioned the Economy Minister about this categorisation and whether Malaysia will adopt two different policies for petrol and diesel subsidies?
He said before this the government used the Budi Madani system for the rationalisation of diesel but for RON95, the government said there will be two different prices at petrol stations next year – a subsidised price and another for T15.
"My question is, how will petrol stations differentiate who is T15 and who isn’t?
"Will they use MyKad or a special system? What kind of system," he said.
He suggested that petrol subsidies be determined based on the model and value of the car, not just one’s income.
He said cars like Perodua Myvi, Ativa, or Alza users should receive full subsidies, but drivers of Mercedes, Lamborghini, or Ferrari should receive no subsidies at all.
He added that those live moderately and aren’t extravagant shouldn’t be punished or equated with the truly wealthy.
