Updated: 30 June 2025
Effective 1 July 2025, Malaysia will implement a major expansion of the Sales and Service Tax (SST). The new structure significantly widens the tax base — impacting thousands of goods and services across industries.
Here’s what every SME owner needs to know to stay compliant and cost-conscious:
The sales tax scope has expanded to include over 3,400 categories of goods that were previously exempted. These include:
5% Sales Tax Applies To:
10% Sales Tax Applies To:
Implication for SMEs:
Sales Tax Registration Threshold: RM500,000 in annual taxable turnover or upon importation
The service tax rate has been split into 6% and 8% tiers, and new sectors are now included.
Sector | Tax Rate | Threshold |
Leasing or rental of all kinds (except residential) | 8% | RM1,000,000 |
Wellness services | 8% | RM500,000 |
Financial and brokerage services | 8% | RM1,000,000 |
Construction works | 6% | RM1.5 million |
Private healthcare | 6% | RM1.5 million |
Private education (see next point) | 6% | RM500,000 |
Private education services are now taxable at 6% if:
Tax does not apply to:
Service Tax Registration is mandatory if taxable turnover exceeds RM500,000/year.
All businesses must monitor their taxable turnover and register for SST once they reach / exceed the threshold below:
Business Type | Registration Threshold |
Most taxable services | RM500,000 |
Leasing or rental services | RM1 million |
Financial services | RM1 million |
Construction services | RM1.5 million |
Private healthcare services | RM1.5 million |
F&B | RM1.5 million |
Registration Deadline: Within 28 days of exceeding the threshold
Grace Period: From 1 July to 31 December 2025, businesses can register without penalties (subject to RMCD discretion). However, retrospective SST payments are still be required for the unpaid period.
For manufacturers, importers, and traders, the SST expansion means:
SMEs should:
The following items and services remain exempt from SST:
Category | SST Status |
Rental of residential properties | Exempt |
Construction of residential buildings | Exempt |
Healthcare services for Malaysians | Exempt |
Private education (< RM60,000 fees) | Exempt |
Beauty services | No SST |
Exported goods and services | Zero-rated |
These exemptions are intended to protect essential sectors and public interest.
Immediate Action Checklist:
YYC’s tax professionals are ready to guide your business through this SST expansion with:
Book a consultation with YYC today and ensure your business is 100% SST-ready before the 1 July 2025 deadline.