Prominent businessman and Mydin Managing Director Ameer Ali Mydin has spoken out strongly against the government’s decision to impose a sales and service tax (SST) on imported fruits, calling the move “illogical” and harmful to low-income Malaysians.
Speaking to Malaysiakini, Ameer said many imported fruits like apples, oranges, and even bananas are not luxury items, but affordable and essential choices for the B40 group.
These fruits are associated with healthy diets
He stressed that these fruits are often associated with healthy diets and are commonly brought as gifts when visiting patients in hospitals, highlighting their cultural and practical importance.
I totally disagree with this. It doesn’t make sense to tax basic fruits like apples, oranges, and bananas. These are foods for the B40,” he said.
While some argue that these fruits are grown locally, Ameer pointed out that local production is insufficient to meet demand, forcing the country to rely on imports.
Still cheap despite being imported
He also noted that despite being imported, these fruits remain relatively cheap and are widely consumed by ordinary Malaysians.
These fruits should be considered ‘fruits of the people,’ like how we call certain fish ‘people’s fish’,” he said. “So don’t impose SST on the people’s fruits.”
The government announced the expansion of SST to include select categories of imported fruits as part of Budget 2025, which will come into effect on July 1.
Will maintain single price for affected items
While officials have claimed the policy will only target premium imports and not burden everyday citizens, critics like Ameer believe the current list lacks nuance.
He urged Putrajaya to reassess the plan and distinguish between luxury produce and fruits essential to everyday diets, warning that failing to do so could lead to price hikes that squeeze consumers further.
As for Mydin stores, Ameer confirmed they will maintain a single price for affected items come July, without introducing dual pricing for pre- and post-tax items.
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