PETALING JAYA: The new year has just started, and already new taxes are piling up.
"The year 2024 can be taken as a year full of challenges and pressures.
"Many are now sighing, and even more are sweating," said Ayer Hitam MP Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
He expressed worry if the populace could even "breathe" with the string of new taxes coming up and the impending removal of subsidies.
In a video on social media, Dr Wee, who is also MCA president, showed a table tabulating the new taxes declared.
The table showed the 10% tax on low-value goods bought online from overseas, the capital gains tax of 10%, electric bill tariff increases affecting M40 households by at least 5% and domestic water tariff increases starting Feb 1 in all states, with Penang facing a hefty 150% hike.
Also increasing is the sales and service tax from 6% to 8% and the digital services tax for all online subscriptions and services from 6% to 8% starting from March 1.
Those in the upper-income groups will have to fork out 10% more for the luxury goods tax by May, while an as-yet indeterminate portion of the population may see subsidy fuel withdrawal within the first half of this year.
"Whether we want it or not, we must carry on with life and shoulder all the trials and tribulations.
"We only hope that the government will help to relieve the sufferings of the people.
"We pray for the best for our country to continue growing, be prosperous and stable," Dr Wee said.
