KUCHING: MBKS Councillor Eric Tay Tze Kok has questioned the federal government’s recent move to give a one-off RM100 cash aid to Malaysians aged 18 and above, saying it offers only temporary relief and does little to ease long-term financial pressure.
“RM100 may help in the short term, buying some rice or petrol but it doesn’t solve the structural issue of tax burden,” said Tay.
He said instead of cash handouts, the government should focus on meaningful tax reform.
Tay pointed out that with the Sales and Service Tax (SST) now raised to 8%, many middle-income earners are feeling the pinch more than ever.
Proposing a gradual income tax reductions, higher tax thresholds, and relief for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as more effective and sustainable measures, Tay added that he is not against aid, but hoped for a more sustainable direction.
“Winning hearts with handouts is short-term. Empowering citizens through tax relief is the long-term answer,” he pointed out.
Tay also called for greater transparency in government spending and a fairer tax framework. He said aid mechanisms should be simplified to cut down bureaucracy and prevent wastage.
By Connie Chieng