12/06/2025

THURSDAY | JUNE 12, 2025 3 ‘Medium powers can shape global security’ KUALA LUMPUR: Medium-sized nations such as Poland and Malaysia can play an assertive role in shaping a more equitable global order based on collective security and multilateralism amid growing geopolitical tensions, Polish President Andrzej Duda said. Speaking at a public lecture in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, Duda said while Poland and Malaysia are neither global powers nor small states, both have the responsibility and potential to contribute meaningfully to international affairs. “Security today is not a choice, it is a necessity. Poland, as a country located on the eastern flank of the European Union and NATO, recognises threats but also sees opportunities from joint actions. “We oppose a return to the politics of spheres of influence. History shows that this only leads to wars and destabilisation. “The international system should enable us to fully participate in the global dialogue,” he said during a public lecture titled ‘Poland’s Position in the EU: Challenges and Choices’ at the Asia Europe Institute of Universiti Malaya. Duda, who assumed office in August 2015, is on his inaugural three-day official visit to Malaysia from Monday to yesterday. He said both Poland and Malaysia share common interests in defending sovereignty, advancing diplomacy and supporting a more inclusive global system. “Medium-sized states may lack dominant military power or global political reach. But they possess something equally important – the ability to influence international processes through active diplomacy, peace-building initiatives, strengthening multilateralism and promoting a rules-based order.” – Bernama Asean TVET council holds dialogue PUTRAJAYA: The Asean Technical and Vocational Education and Training Council convened the 4th Regional Policy Dialogue, themed “TVET for Rural and Regional Development” starting yesterday, in conjunction with the three-day National TVET Day 2025 celebration. In a statement, the Prime Minister’s Department said the two-day dialogue also aligns with Malaysia’s role as the Asean Chair. TVET Day is being held at the Malacca International Trade Centre in Ayer Keroh, and aims to raise public awareness of the various opportunities, initiatives and incentives available within the TVET sector. With the theme “TVET: The Preferred Career Choice”, the event also showcases educational and career pathways in technical and vocational fields. “It is also intended to inspire more young people to consider TVET as their primary career path.” It said TVET Day also serves as a platform to recognise the role and contributions of TVET in driving national economic growth and to promote skills-based careers more broadly across society. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to officiate the celebration today. – Bernama

Call for clearer SST guidelines ahead of rollout

o Experts warn ambiguity could lead to unintended consequences such as pricing confusion and profiteering

He added that the government must closely monitor price hikes on semi-essential items, including mid-range electronics, and regularly review the exemption list to ensure it reflects current economic realities, particularly for middle-income households. “In sectors such as private healthcare and education, where demand is relatively inelastic, service providers may transfer additional costs to consumers, potentially driving sector-specific inflation. “To evaluate the policy’s fairness and impact, tracking key indicators such as the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for affected items, consumer sentiment, retail sales performance and compliance rates across industries is highly recommended.” Meanwhile, the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) has urged the government to cushion the impact of the expanded SST by reassessing the tax list and reinstating exemptions for core necessities. Its secretary-general Dr Saravanan Thambirajah also called for targeted subsidies or tax offsets for low-income households to help cope with rising food prices. “The government must strengthen enforcement to curb price manipulation and profiteering, and improve transparency so consumers can differentiate between genuine tax-driven price hikes and profiteering.” Saravanan said imposing taxes on essential goods sends a contradictory message – on one hand, the government pledges to protect vulnerable groups, but at the same time removes exemptions that have shielded them.

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

clarified that palm-based cooking oil, regardless of origin, remains exempt. Universiti Teknologi Mara Academy of SME and Entrepreneurship Development coordinator Dr Mohamad Idham Md Razak said the lack of clarity could lead to unintended consequences. He noted that while the move is a necessary revenue measure, broad tax hikes during economic uncertainty carry risks, and targeting luxury goods would be a more balanced approach. “While lower-income groups may be shielded by continued exemptions on basic necessities, middle-income households could feel the pinch depending on their spending habits. “Short-term inflation is a likely outcome if businesses choose to pass the additional tax burden on to consumers, particularly for goods and services that fall into the semi essential category. But spending may not drop sharply if essentials remain unaffected.” Mohamad Idham also stressed that the expanded SST would only be effective if luxury goods and services are clearly defined, and if enforcement is strong enough to prevent loopholes, such as luxury vehicles or high-end entertainment options escaping taxation.

PETALING JAYA: The government is being urged to release a clear, centralised list of taxable and exempted items under the expanded Sales and Service Tax (SST) to prevent confusion ahead of its implementation on July 1. Economists warn that without authoritative guidance, businesses could face compliance issues and pricing disputes. They said a government-endorsed reference list is seen as critical to ensure clarity for companies, consumers and enforcement agencies. A Finance Ministry spokesperson said the expanded SST will include a 5% sales tax on both locally manufactured and imported goods. However, locally grown fruits will be exempt, while imported fruits will be taxed. “Selected imported food items such as rice, wheat, sugar, salt and meat remain exempt as they are considered basic essentials,” the ministry said, adding that both local and imported palm oil used for cooking will also continue to be exempted. Still, confusion persists over what exactly is taxable. For example, cooking oil was initially believed to be taxed, but authorities later

HEALTHCARE INNOVATION ... An exhibitor demonstrates the use of a patient lifting aid at the APHM International Healthcare Conference & Exhibition 2025, that was held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from June 9 until yesterday. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

Database system to be developed for express, tour bus drivers KUALA LUMPUR: The Transport Ministry will develop a database system for express and tour bus drivers, complete with their previous records, to improve the safety of public land transport. We only have their licensing (details) but whether or not they have any previous records, the companies that hire them have no references. Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi on the fatal crash on Monday which killed 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (Upsi) students. Meanwhile, Loke said the preliminary report on the May 13 fatal crash involving Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) personnel in Perak last month would be uploaded to the Transport Ministry’s s website today.

the case facts and space for researchers, especially road safety experts to see all the facts about the accident and be able to conduct studies and research.” In the May 13 incident, nine FRU personnel from Unit 5, based in Sungai Senam, Ipoh died in the crash on Jalan Chikus-Sungai Lampam at 8.50am when a gravel-laden lorry collided with a truck carrying 18 FRU personnel, who were returning to their base camp from an assignment in Teluk Intan. – Bernama

In the incident, the chartered bus ferrying 42 Upsi students from Jertih, Terengganu to the main campus in Tanjung Malim, Perak, overturned after it collided with a multi-purpose vehicle along the Gerik-Jeli East-West Highway. The students had gone home to their hometowns for the AidilAdha holidays.

“So, if a driver who did not carry out his responsibilities properly and was sacked from company A, he may go to company B – that means drivers lacking in integrity are still on the market.” He said this at yesterday’s joint media conference with Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and Works Minister

He added that the report would contain several findings from the relevant technical agencies, including the Road Transport Department and the Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre. “The report is being made public to allow the people to understand

Its minister, Anthony Loke said the system, to be developed by the Land Public Transport Agency, would enable bus companies to assess the eligibility and background of drivers before hiring them. “Currently our system does not have a database that covers all drivers.