Kuala Lumpur, June 21 -- The Malaysian Government has announced plans to expand its national sales and service tax (SST) from July 1, including a new 5% rate on imported fruit, as part of efforts to promote local agricultural consumption and enhance national food security. Johan Mahmood Merican, Secretary-General of the Malaysian Ministry of Finance, said the tax adjustment supports the government's strategy to reduce reliance on foreign food supply chains and to assist domestic farmers. The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority is also working to improve the quality of local produce such as melon and pineapple, offering consumers affordable alternatives. However, Mydin Mohamed Holdings Managing Director Ameer Ali Mydin noted that Malays...