Expanded SST could threaten food security

Filepic/The Star

AS Malaysia prepares to roll out a sweeping expansion of the sales and services tax (SST) on July 1, policymakers must confront an uncomfortable question: Are we compromising national food security in pursuit of short-term revenue gains?

The Finance Ministry argues that the expanded SST, which broadens the tax base and updates taxable goods and services, is necessary to strengthen the government’s fiscal position.