16/06/2025

MONDAY | JUNE 16, 2025

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LUMUT: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday announced several approved development projects for the Royal Malaysian Navy base in Lumut, aimed at enhancing both the welfare and operational capacity of military personnel. A total of RM65 million has been allocated for the construction of a specialist clinic complex and the upgrading of the Armed Forces hospital at the base. Additionally, RM100 million has been approved for upgrading a 33kV high-voltage distribution system, RM23.3 million for the replacement of Bulk Fuel Installation operational tanks and RM66.5 million for improvements to the operational jetty. Anwar urged the Perak State Secretary to expedite the implementation of the specialist clinic and hospital upgrades for the benefit of navy personnel. He made the announcement while attending the Kenduri Rakyat event with navy personnel in conjunction with the Perak Madani Rakyat 2025 programme. Also present were Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and Navy Chief Datuk Zulhelmy Ithnain. Anwar also praised the progress of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) project at Lumut Naval Shipyard (Lunas), describing it as “commendable” and underscoring its importance to national defence. He said the improvements reflect the Madani government’s commitment to transparency and maritime security. LUMUT: The government is not ready to reintroduce the Goods and Services Tax (GST) as doing so would burden all segments of society, particularly low-income groups, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday. He described GST as a broad-based tax that, while efficient, would be applied uniformly to all consumers regardless of income, including fishermen, smallholders and street cleaners. “GST taxes everybody. While it is efficient and straightforward, just 6% across the board, I must ask, if everyone has to pay 6%, should the poor and the unemployed be taxed as well?” he told Bernama. He acknowledged that the opposition has proposed GST as a viable revenue option, but said the government has decided to postpone its implementation to avoid further straining households already grappling with the rising cost of living. “That is why we say we are not ready for GST. If one day, the economy improves and the minimum wage reaches RM4,000 or more, then by all means, implement GST. But for now, I’m calling for it to be postponed, don’t turn it into a political issue.” Malaysia backs Iran’s right to retaliate LUMUT: Malaysia upholds the sovereign rights of all nations, including Iran, which was the victim of a recent Israeli attack, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He added that Malaysia, as a sovereign country, must stand with Iran in its act of retaliation against Israel to defend its rights and national dignity. “That is why I told my Cabinet colleagues, Malaysia must demonstrate its strength. We are an independent, sovereign nation, and we must stand up for the rights of our friends, including Iran, which has been wronged. We defend Iran’s right to retaliate in order to uphold its national dignity,” he said. On Friday, the Israeli military launched airstrikes on Iran, reportedly targeting several nuclear and missile facilities, resulting in the deaths of a number of Iranian military commanders and senior scientists. In response, Iran fired ballistic missiles at multiple locations in Israeli-occupied territory, causing fatalities, injuries and damage to buildings. – Bernama ‘Govt not ready to bring back GST’

King, Queen send ‘Happy Father’s Day’ wishes KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim and Her Majesty the Queen of Malaysia Raja Zarith Sofiah yesterday extended Father’s Day wishes to all fathers. “A father is not only the backbone of the family, but also a source of strength and guidance in the lives of his children,” he said. Sultan Ibrahim also expressed gratitude for the sacrifices, love and support that fathers selflessly provide. “Thank you for all the sacrifices, love and guidance. Although sometimes not expressed in words, a father’s devotion and In a post on the Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar official Facebook page, His Majesty highlighted the vital role a father plays in the lives of his family and children.

love are always etched in the heart. “May Allah SWT also always bless my late father Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, and Almarhum Sultan Idris Shah II,” His Majesty added. Father’s Day is celebrated annually on the third Sunday of June to honour the role, service and sacrifices of fathers as protectors and pillars of the family. – Bernama

HDA homes exempt from SST, says minister o Exemption applies to all residential units, including serviced apartments intended for housing use

Minister Adly Zahari and Armed Forces Chief Jen Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar. The Defence Ministry later confirmed that LCS1 was launched on May 23, in line with the contractual schedule. The vessel is now in the “setting to work” phase and is expected to undergo its first sea trial in December. LCS2, launched earlier on May 8, is still under construction, with its setting to work phase scheduled to begin in September. Construction of LCS3 through LCS5 remains on track. LCS3 is expected to be delivered to the navy in 2027, with the remaining ships following at eight-month intervals. The final vessel, LCS5, is scheduled for handover in 2029. The Defence Ministry credited close coordination with agencies such as the Finance and Economy ministries, Prime Minister’s Department Implementation Coordination Unit and the Attorney-General’s Chambers for helping to overcome earlier setbacks and ensure smooth implementation. Once marred by delays and controversy, the LCS project is now considered vital to bolstering maritime defence. Built for coastal operations, the vessels are expected to enhance the capacity to protect national waters. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and timely delivery, aiming to make the LCS fleet a cornerstone of Malaysia’s naval strength in the years ahead. – Bernama ensuring that the service tax is applied solely to construction services. Nga said his ministry will continue engaging with the Finance Ministry and key stakeholders to ensure tax policies are implemented fairly, protect homebuyers’ interests and support a sustainable housing sector. “In line with the Madani aspirations, the ministry is committed to preserving housing affordability and protecting homebuyers under the revised SST framework,” he said. The Finance Ministry recently announced that the revised SST, introduced under Budget 2025, will take effect on July 1. The new framework includes a 5% to 10% sales tax on selected non-essential goods. The scope of the service tax will also be expanded to cover additional services, including rental and leasing, construction, finance, private healthcare, education and beauty services. A 6% service tax will apply to providers earning over RM1.5 million annually. Amir Hamzah said the updated SST reflects a more sophisticated tax structure aimed at promoting shared prosperity and preventing a widening income gap.

Ű BY HASHINI KAVISHTRI KANNAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Licensing) Act 1966 is designed to regulate housing development and protect homebuyers purchasing residential properties from developers. The Act has been amended several times, notably in 2002, 2007, 2012 and 2015, to enhance consumer protection and align with changes in the housing sector. Addressing concerns over cascading tax effects, Nga explained that a business-to business exemption is in place, ensuring that the service tax is imposed only once within the supply chain. According to the Finance Ministry, essential construction materials such as cement, aggregates and sand remain zero-rated. Out of 400 tariff codes linked to building materials, only eight – including items such as vats, laminated glass and netting – will see an increase in sales tax, impacting just 2% of total codes. Contractors may also opt to separate material costs from service charges,

PETALING JAYA: Residential properties sold under the Housing Development Act (HDA) are not subject to the Sales and Services Tax (SST), said Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming yesterday. He said the exemption is determined by either the land title or the intended use of the property. “In essence, all residential units, including serviced apartments on commercial land titles, are exempt from SST, provided they are intended for residential purposes and fall under HDA regulations,” he said in a statement. Nga made the clarification following discussions with Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, in response to concerns raised by industry stakeholders over the revised SST framework. The Housing Development (Control and

Anwar unveils major upgrades at Lumut navy base

Anwar meeting Royal Malaysian Navy personnel during the visit yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

Highlighting past delays due to poor governance, mismanagement and corruption, he emphasised that strong leadership is essential to ensure national defence capabilities

are not compromised. Earlier, Anwar visited the Lunas facility to inspect ongoing LCS construction. He was accompanied by Defence Deputy