KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 5 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia closed lower on Friday amid mixed regional market performance as investors turned cautious over a possible rate hike by the Bank of Japan (BOJ) and upcoming US economic data that may influence the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) interest rate decision next week. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) pared most earlier losses to settle 4.55 points easier, or 0.28 per cent, to 1,616.52 from Thursday’s close of 1,621.07. The benchmark index, which opened 0.37 of-a-point lower at 1,620.70, moved between 1,609.67 and 1,621.25 throughout the day. The broader market was negative, with decliners outpacing advancers 604 to 439. A total of 550 counters were unchanged, 1,151 untraded, and 18 suspended. Turnover declined to 3.17 billion units worth RM2.24 billion from 4.48 billion units worth RM2.75 billion yesterday. Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd vice-presiden...
What Just Happened? The Finance Ministry announced revisions to Malaysia’s expanded SST policy, effective July 1, 2025. Key highlights:
Imported apples, oranges, mandarin oranges, and dates are now tax-exempt, alongside rice, chicken, beef, vegetables, eggs, and local fish.
Service Tax registration threshold raised to RM1 million in annual sales for leasing, rental, and financial services – easing the burden on MSMEs.
Earlier proposal to tax beauty services (haircuts, facials, manicures) dropped.
Why This Matters:
Reduces inflation pressure on essential goods.
Supports small businesses by reducing compliance burden.
Maintains affordability in beauty and personal care services, benefiting consumer sentiment.
Money Master Take:
✅ Position: Positive for domestic demand and MSME-focused sectors
🎯 Watch: Food retail, consumer staples, personal care segments
📉 Downside: Policy shifts could return if revenue pressures rise
📈 Upside: Stable consumer spending environmentx
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