Mydin boss slams SST on imported fruits, calls for exemption

Mydin boss slams SST on imported fruits, calls for exemption

Ammar Izzudin Zainudin
Published: Jun 16, 2025 9:11 PM
Updated: 11:17 PM


Summary

• Mydin boss criticises the SST expansion to imported fruits, arguing that they are affordable staples consumed by low-income groups and should be treated as essential items.

• He urges the government to differentiate between essential and luxury fruits, warning that taxing widely consumed fruits could raise prices and burden consumers.

Mydin Mohamed Holdings Bhd managing director Ameer Ali Mydin criticised the government’s move to impose the sales and service tax (SST) on imported fruits, calling it “nonsensical.”

Ameer argued that, contrary to popular belief, some imported fruits are also consumed by low-income groups and should be considered essential food items.

“I strongly disagree, and it makes no sense to impose SST on basic fruits like apples, oranges, bananas, and others. These are foods for the B40 (low-income) group,” he told Malaysiakini.

He pointed out that apples and oranges - even bananas - are often associated with healthy eating habits, and are commonly brought as gifts when visiting someone in the hospital, reflecting their cultural and nutritional significance.

“Even though fruits like apples and oranges are imported, their prices are not too high and they remain the choice for many, including the low-income group,” he said.

“So we can consider these fruits as ‘fruits of the people’ - just like how we refer to certain fish as ‘ikan rakyat’ (people’s fish).

“Therefore, let’s not impose SST on the fruits of the people,” he said.

‘Local supply not enough’

While there are arguments that such fruits are produced locally, Ameer said the supply is insufficient, hence the need for imports.

“Bananas, for example - yes, we have local sources, but the supply is not enough. A large portion is imported.

“Bananas, like apples and oranges, are considered staple fruits for the people, especially the B40 group.”

The government had earlier announced the expansion of SST to include several categories of imported fruits - a move that triggered mixed reactions and concerns over its impact on the cost of living.

The measure was introduced under Budget 2025, tabled on Oct 18 last year by Prime Minister and Finance Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

At the time, Anwar assured that the revamped SST, which takes effect on July 1, would be more progressive and would not burden ordinary Malaysians.

“Sales tax will not be imposed on essential food items used by the rakyat.

“Sales tax will be imposed on non-essential items such as imported premium goods like salmon and avocados,” he had said.

Yesterday, Anwar defended the SST expansion, stating that it was aimed at taxing the wealthy and would only affect certain segments of society.


‘More detailed assessment needed’

Ameer, however, urged Putrajaya to conduct a more detailed evaluation before enforcing the SST, including a proper classification between essential and luxury fruits.

“If they really want to impose SST, they should differentiate between people’s fruits and non-people’s fruits,” he said.

He warned that applying SST on widely consumed fruits could drive up prices and hurt consumers.

“If we use SST on apples, oranges, bananas - we’re all doomed. Prices will go up,” he said.

Besides that, Ameer confirmed that Mydin stores will not be displaying dual pricing for items subject to SST starting next month.

“As far as Mydin is concerned, we won’t have two separate prices. Even if the price is taxed, that’s the price (we will sell at),” he added.