27/08/2025

WEDNESDAY | AUG 27, 2025

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RM38m from SST on imported fruits annually KUALA LUMPUR: The collection of Sales and Services Tax (SST) on imported fruits is projected to generate an additional revenue of RM38 million annually starting from 2026, said the Finance Ministry. It said the review of sales tax rates and the expansion of SST, effective from July 1, are also expected to generate an additional RM10 billion in revenue annually beginning next year. It added that among other objectives, the SST rate review was implemented to strengthen the country’s fiscal position while promoting and supporting the local fruit industry. “However, the government has taken public feedback into account and revised the rates to exempt selected imported fruits such as apples, oranges, dates and mandarin oranges,” it said in a written response on the Parliament website. “We are moving away from the old demographic model which was based on three clear stages of life – childhood, youth and old age, or school, work and retirement. “But today, as people live longer, these stages overlap and intertwine, creating a ‘multi-stage life’. For example, retirees are now often encouraged to rejoin the workforce in various capacities. Retirement is no longer a fixed stage.” Amir Hamzah said the government, through 13MP, aims to strengthen long-term care, enabling caregivers to provide home visits, activities and companionship for the elderly to remain in their own homes, while also guiding younger generations. He urged civil society to play a greater role in supporting the ageing process. “The framework for an ageing society is already laid out in the 13MP. What is left is to bring it to life. “If we succeed, we will be in a much better position to face the challenges of an aged society.”

Sultan of Brunei accorded state welcome KUALA LUMPUR: The Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah was accorded a state welcome at Istana Negara yesterday in conjunction with his four-day state visit to Malaysia, which began on Monday. by the Central Band of the Royal Malay Regiment, followed by a 21-gun salute.

The ALC is the highest bilateral mechanism between Malaysia and Brunei, serving as a platform for both leaders to review the progress of existing cooperation, discuss current issues and exchange views on regional and international matters of mutual interest. The visit and annual meeting underscore the longstanding special relationship between Malaysia and Brunei, reaffirming both countries’ continuous commitment to strengthening strategic cooperation for mutual prosperity and the well-being of their peoples. In 2024, Brunei was Malaysia’s sixth largest trading partner in Asean, with total trade amounting to RM7.53 billion. Between January and June this year, Malaysia-Brunei trade reached RM3.02 billion, with exports of RM2.18 billion and imports of RM840 million. – Bernama

After the ceremony, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah held a meeting with the King, during which both monarchs discussed various matters, including the longstanding close bilateral relations. The King then hosted the Brunei Sultan and his delegation to a state banquet. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah is undertaking the visit at the invitation of Sultan Ibrahim. The state visit is the third by a foreign head of state to Malaysia since Sultan Ibrahim ascended the throne as the 17th King, following visits by the presidents of China and Indonesia. Tomorrow, the Brunei ruler will attend the 26th Malaysia-Brunei Annual Leaders’ Consultation (ALC) and is also scheduled to hold a separate meeting with the prime minister in conjunction with the ALC. Amir Hamzah said according to the Statistics Department, Malaysia’s 34.2 million population in 2025 is projected to grow modestly to 36.4 million by 2030 and 38.3 million by 2035. “However, fertility rates are set to drop from 1.67 children per woman in 2025 to 1.60 in 2035, well below the replacement level of 2.1, which the country has failed to meet since 2013. “Adding to the concern, the crude marriage rate has also declined, falling from 6.6 marriages per 1,000 people in 2022 to 5.7 in 2023. “The department highlighted that this trend shortens the reproductive window and is likely to further accelerate the decline in births.” Amir Hamzah said preparing for an ageing population is a complex task involving fiscal policy, labour markets, healthcare and long term care services. He said the National Ageing Blueprint 2025–2045 launched this year, which outlines CEO Datuk Idham Nawawi. Anwar said digital ambitions could not succeed without good governance, stressing that combating corruption is vital even if difficult. CD:NXT is designed to nurture future digital leaders through three main programmes: 0 The Young Talent Programme: A two-year pathway for high-potential graduates to build skills in AI, cybersecurity, cloud engineering and sustainability; 0 UniConnects: A bridge between universi ties and industry to align academic curricula with digital workforce needs; and 0 The Student Ambassador Programme: Empowering students to drive innovation focused projects and advocate for digital inclusion within their communities. Idham said CD:NXT reflects CelcomDigi’s long-term commitment to building “AI-native, industry-ready, future-focused” Malaysians. “The strength of a digital nation lies in its people. These young talents will not only join our workforce but also drive the industry forward.” The first cohort of 20 individuals was unveiled yesterday, selected from 3,600 applicants, and will now begin their two-year training journey. After the launch, Anwar toured the CelcomDigi AI Experience Centre, an innovation hub showcasing 61 AI solutions across key sectors, 25 of which are already being piloted with Malaysian enterprises.

His Majesty, who arrived at the palace at 10am, accompanied by Prince Abdul Mateen Bolkiah, was received by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia and the Tunku Temenggong of Johor Tunku Idris Iskandar Sultan Ibrahim. Also present were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul and several Cabinet ministers. The state welcome, held at the palace’s main lobby, began with the national anthems of Brunei and Malaysia performed

The ministry was responding to Jimmy Puah Wee Tse (PH-Tebrau), regarding the expected revenue collection from the SST expansion. – Bernama M’sia to be ageing nation by 2048

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s future in the global economy hinges on mastering fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics and cybersecurity, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said. “In elevating the nation’s dignity, all citizens must be mobilised to focus on development, including industries and activities not even discussed about 30 years ago.” He was speaking at the launch of CD:NXT, CelcomDigi’s flagship talent development initiative, aimed at preparing 5,000 youths for an AI-driven digital economy. Anwar lauded the company’s move to invest in youth training, describing it as the practical way to “raise both the ceiling and the floor” for the workforce. “If the ceiling rises but the floor remains the same, wages will stagnate, training will remain outdated, and our capabilities will be hindered. “This initiative is about lifting both so that Malaysians are not left behind,” he said at the launch held at the CelcomDigi Hub in Subang Jaya. Also present were Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, CelcomDigi chairman Tengku Datuk Seri Azmil Zahruddin Raja Abdul Aziz and PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is expected to become an ageing nation by 2048, when 14% of its population will be aged 65 and above, Economy Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan told the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. He said the shift, driven by longer life expectancy and falling fertility rates, would see the number of children aged between zero and 14 shrink as the elderly population steadily rises. o Fertility rates set to drop from 1.67 children per woman in 2025 to 1.60 in 2035, below replacement level of 2.1, says minister Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

strategies across key areas, would be implemented through the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). “While we have a Youth and Sports Ministry, we do not yet have a dedicated ministry for senior citizens to address ageing related issues. “However, several ministries play a role – the Finance Ministry manages economic and fiscal matters, the Implementation Coordination Unit oversees social protection, the Human Resources Ministry covers employment and skills, the Health Ministry handles healthcare while the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry manages long-term care.” He said under the 13MP all ministries must adopt a whole-of-nation approach, which includes expanding home-based care, encouraging part-time work for older individuals, strengthening financial and community support and improving retirement security through measures such as reviewing the EPF withdrawal scheme.

Future of work lies in mastering AI, other technological skills: PM

Anwar at the event in Subang Jaya yesterday. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN