Feasible solutions: The MCA Economic and SME Committee meeting to discuss the need for fiscal reforms for SMEs in Malaysia.
KUALA LUMPUR: Putrajaya needs to provide stronger support to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) while implementing more fiscal reforms to ensure economic stability.
This was the broad consensus at a recent dialogue organised by MCA’s Economic and SME Committee on July 31 chaired by MCA vice-president and committee chairman Datuk Lawrence Low.
The dialogue, titled “SME Dialogue: Malaysia’s Current Economic Situation and the 2025 Budget,” was attended by representatives from 12 local business associations, with attendees addressing critical issues such as taxation, diesel and RON95 subsidies, minimum wage policies, and e-invoicing, resulting in valuable input for government policy formulation.
Low highlighted the severe impact of new and increased taxes on SMEs, including the hike in service tax (SST) from 6% to 8%, a new 10% capital gains tax, the low-value goods tax, expanded tobacco taxes, and higher sugary drink taxes, alongside the potential introduction of a high-value goods tax.
He emphasised that Malaysia is at a crucial juncture where national leaders must reconsider how to support the growth of domestic SMEs.
The diversification of government revenue streams is a subject that attracted keen interest, with Associated Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) treasurer Datuk Koong Lin Long stressing that the government should not rely solely on taxes for revenue.
He urged for increased focus on domestic investments and highlighted the pressures local SMEs face from cheaper Chinese goods and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
Koong recommended more financial and technical support for SMEs, including a special task force within the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry to enhance competitiveness.
ACCCIM’s central council member and environmental, social and governance director Datuk Teh Kok Lim called for governmental assistance in helping SMEs transform their business models to navigate the evolving global economic landscape.
Low noted that the SST created a “tax-on-tax” effect, leading to higher consumer prices and reduced purchasing power.
SME Association of Malaysia national vice-president Datuk Seri Ricky Yaw advocated for the reintroduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST), suggesting it as a superior tax system and recommending it to start at a rate of 4%.
Datuk Chua Tia Guan, a senior member of the Special Task Force to Facilitate Business, highlighted the need for balanced tax policies to avoid inflationary impacts, urging careful evaluation of GST’s potential effects on the populace.
Meanwhile, the Federation of Sundry Goods Merchants Association of Malaysia president Hong Chee Meng urged the government to tackle illegal imports and smuggling to protect local retailers, and suggested strengthening customs and market supervision to combat illegal trade, ensure market order, and protect the interests of legitimate businesses.
Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association president Patrick Law underscored the tourism industry’s challenges, including the absence of diesel subsidies, multiple SST layers and driver shortages, while calling for targeted incentives to support the industry during Visit Malaysia Year.
Malaysian Bus Operators Association president Jackie Chew echoed these concerns, highlighting the severe impact of rising diesel prices and driver shortages on the industry.
Low also warned against abruptly removing RON95 petrol subsidies as it would lead to increased costs for consumers and another wave of inflation.
Instead, he recommend a phased approach to subsidy reforms to prevent market disruptions.
Chew Kin Fai, general secretary of the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Ku Su Shin Choong Hing Restaurant Association, asked that new tax policies be delayed due to the sluggish economy.
All groups concurred that the government must carefully plan fiscal reforms to reduce living costs, support SME innovation, enhance competitiveness, and ensure economic stability, with the summary of the meeting compiled into a proposal that will be submitted to the Finance Ministry for consideration as it draws up Budget 2025.
This proposal will also be presented to MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong and vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Jeck Seng to be used for direct discussions with the Prime Minister.
