In tabling Budget 2025, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim cited avocados as an example of “premium” imported fruits that would cost more under an expanded Sales and Services Tax (SST) scheme.

However, the government’s announcement yesterday revealed that all imported fruits - even the humble apple - have been categorised as non-essential items and will be slapped with a five percent sales tax.

The new tax, set to come into effect on July 1, has...