KUALA LUMPUR — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has assured that the price of RON95 petrol will remain stable, despite a significant increase in global crude oil prices driven by tensions between Iran and Israel.
The Prime Minister said that while higher oil prices may be advantageous for the country’s petroleum companies, the government is committed to ensuring that citizens are not faced with increased fuel costs.
“Oil prices fluctuate. At the moment, they are quite low. (If) there is a sharp increase, the result is good for Petronas, but it affects other countries. We will not raise oil prices,” he said.
Anwar, who is also the PKR President, spoke to reporters following a meeting with PKR leaders in Johor today.
He emphasised the importance of carefully implementing fiscal policies, such as the reintroduction of the Sales and Service Tax (SST), to avoid placing a burden on low-income (B40) and middle-income (M40) groups. so as not to burden low-income (B40) and middle-income (M40) groups.
“Sometimes people get confused. For example, some say bananas are subject to SST. Actually, only imported bananas are. But we will clarify this. What is important is that we do not want to burden low-income groups,” he said.
He proposed that government departments and agencies should offer local fruits at official events to promote domestic production.
“For official events or government department events, use only local food and fruits. This can be done. Let’s support local products,” Anwar added.
He said that the government is willing to reconsider the list of goods and services that are taxed if there are any misunderstandings or unfairness in how it is applied.
Meanwhile, in relation to the SST on educational institutions, Anwar clarified that the tax applies only to international schools that have tuition fees exceeding a specific high threshold.
“Ordinary schools, private schools that charge RM10,000 or RM20,000 a year are not taxed. But if it’s RM60,000 a year, then pay a little tax,” he said.
Anwar emphasised that tax revenue will be allocated to meet the needs of the population, including building schools and enhancing public health services.
“Everywhere I go, the hospitals are full. Many schools also need to be repaired. We need funds, and those funds come from taxes, but not from ordinary people. We target the upper classes and the external sector,” he said. – June 19, 2025