Kuala Lampur, July 7 -- On 1 July 2025, Malaysia implemented a revised and expanded Sales and Service Tax (SST) under the Madani economic framework. While this move had been anticipated by policymakers and industry players, it nevertheless sparked considerable public backlash, particularly among middle-income and urban households already coping with rising living costs. Such frustration is understandable. However, it is also crucial to examine the rationale, intended outcomes, and broader implications of the revised SST through a clear, evidence-based lens. Though not without flaws, the policy represents an important step in Malaysia's broader effort to strengthen fiscal stability and could deliver long-term benefits if implemented though...