The changes New Malaysia will introduce

(Straits Times) – The following is the gist of Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s press conference after the Cabinet meeting in Putrajaya today:

– New 10% Sales and Service Tax (SST), replacing the 6% Goods and Services Tax (GST) to be implemented from Sept 1, 2018

– The Cabinet has agreed to cancel the Kuala Lumpur – Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR) l project; more discussions will be held with Singapore

– 50 per cent discount will be offered for all tolled roads two days before Hari Raya Aidilfitri

– The Permata programme for gifted children, previously under the purview of the Prime Minister’s Dept, to be placed under the Education Ministry

– World Cup 2018 matches to be aired live via RTM

– Cost of living aid (COLA) to replace BR1M to be paid on June 6; it will carry the same value as the BR1M payments

– Tabung Harapan Malaysia to be set up to enable Malaysians to donate to help country’s finances

– The government has yet to decide on Dewan Rakyat sitting date, the priority now is on the Cabinet formation

– Malaysia is reconsidering the previous government’s appeal on Pulau Batu Puteh / Pedra Branca decision

– New group of ulama and knowledgeable people to be formed to discuss Jakim’s role in its present form