Tax, transport and juice: Triple blow could spike imported fruit prices, traders warn

MCA vice president and Selangor MCA Chairman Datuk Ir Lawrence Low Ah Keong at press conference on SST Wisma MCA on June 23.–AZMAN GHANI/The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Consumers may soon be paying significantly more for imported fruits following a series of cost increases from July 1, traders say.

Kuala Lumpur Fruits Wholesalers Association president Chin Nyuk Moy said importers were bracing to get hit on three fronts: a 5% sales and service tax (SST) on imported fruits, a 30% increase in freight charges at Port Klang, and higher electricity tariffs in Peninsular Malaysia.