FollowThe expanded SST (Sales and Service Tax) that took effect on 1 July 2025 has officially kicked us Malaysians hard on the butt — especially for families like mine who thrive on fruits and wholesome eating.
Being a household that loves imported fruits like avocados, kiwis, and lemons, I felt the pinch immediately. Today, when I stopped by our regular roadside fruit stall, I got a shock — lemons now cost RM10 for just 4 pieces, down from the usual 6 to 8 lemons for the same price just a few days ago. Without a second thought, I gently returned them to the rack and walked away with only oranges, which thankfully remain SST-exempt — along with apples, another staple in our fruit drawer.
We’re also cutting back on salmon, which is now taxed. For a family that used to enjoy grilled salmon from our neighborhood supermarket regularly, this change means we’ll now turn more to local fish — which I honestly don’t mind. Today, I bought fried local fish and some vegetables from my regular chap fan (economy rice) shop for lunch. Simple, comforting, and easier on the wallet.
While I do hope my favorite kiwi doesn’t suffer too steep a price hike (it’s truly a staple in my daily diet), I’m already on the hunt for cheaper lemons elsewhere. A little price hike here and there might seem minor, but when you’re feeding a family and being mindful of health, it adds up fast.
This SST expansion is definitely nudging us to rethink our shopping habits, make smarter choices, and most importantly — support more local produce where we can.
For now, I’ll stick to my oranges, apples, and local fish — and keep my eyes peeled for a good lemon deal.
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