Kuala Lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has assured the public that the government will maintain the current price of RON95 petrol, despite potential spikes in global crude oil prices stemming from geopolitical tensions between Iran and Israel. Anwar emphasized that while increased oil prices may benefit the national petroleum company, Petronas, the government is committed to shielding citizens from rising fuel costs.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar, who also serves as the president of the People’s Justice Party (PKR), conveyed this message following a meeting with the Johor PKR leadership. He highlighted the importance of carefully implementing fiscal policies, such as the reintroduction of the Sales and Service Tax (SST), to avoid placing undue pressure on the lower-income (B40) and middle-income (M40) groups.

Anwar addressed misconceptions regarding the SST, clarifying that it applies to imported bananas, not local produce. He urged government entities to support domestic agriculture by featuring local fruits at official events, demonstrating a commitment to bolstering local production.

The prime minister also indicated the government’s openness to revisiting the list of taxable goods and services to address any confusion or perceived inequities. In discussing SST’s application to educational institutions, Anwar noted that it targets international schools with high tuition fees, exempting regular and private schools with more moderate charges.

He underscored that tax revenues are vital for funding public services, such as school construction and healthcare facility upgrades. Anwar highlighted the pressing need for such improvements, noting the overcrowding of hospitals and the necessity for school repairs. He assured that the tax burden would primarily affect the upper class and foreign sectors, not ordinary citizens.