Sst On Imported Fruit To Curb Smuggling Boost Local Produce Pm

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Extending the sales and service Tax (SST) to imported fruit is part of the government’s efforts to curb ongoing smuggling in border states, said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said that the move is also intended to encourage the public to prioritise local fruit.
“Some people are unhappy about the tax on imported fruit, but this is my way of ensuring that people choose local produce.
“Otherwise, smuggling will continue through border areas such as Sungai Golok in Kelantan, Bukit Kayu Hitam in Kedah, and Wang Kelian and Padang Besar in Perlis.
ADSHe said this when closing the Kelantan edition of the Madani Rakyat Programme 2025, held at the Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, today.
Also present were Kelantan Menteri Besar Nassuruddin Daud; Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang; Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail; and Chief Secretary to the Government, Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
The premier further explained that certain imported fruit, such as oranges and apples, remain exempt from the SST for now.
He also commended the quality of local avocados from Sabah, noting that they were superior to imported varieties, and emphasised the need to promote local agricultural products.
“So, we do have a choice. I have also discussed with the Kelantan menteri besar the state’s potential as an economic attraction.
“States like Selangor, Johor and Sarawak already have their own economic strengths, and the government can grant them greater autonomy,” he said.
On June 27, Treasury secretary-general Johan Mahmood Merican said that while certain imported fruit, such as strawberries, blueberries and avocados, would remain subject to SST under the extension, the exemption for apples and oranges was intended to ease the financial burden on consumers, given their high consumption among Malaysians.
- Bernama

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