Kuala Lumpur: The Small and Medium Enterprises Association Malaysia (SAMENTA) has commended the government's decision to postpone the permit requirement for the use of subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders, viewing it as a strategic move to safeguard local traders. Its president, Datuk William Ng, emphasized the significant impact of these administrative changes on business continuity and the cost of living.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ng noted that the decision is crucial for thousands of small traders, especially those in the micro and non-formal sectors, as it prevents severe impacts on their operations. He expressed gratitude for the government's proactive approach that has averted a potential crisis in the microenterprise sector at a national level. Ng highlighted that these actions convey a positive message about the government's recognition of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as an essential economic pillar and its responsiveness to grassroots feedback.

Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali announced that micro and small-scale traders in the food and beverage sector could continue using subsidised LPG cylinders without a special permit until amendments to the Control of Supplies Regulations (PPKB) 2021 are finalized in October. He assured that no legal action would be taken against these traders during the transition period.

Ng also commented on the exemption from the e-invoice requirement and the extension of its implementation for SMEs. He emphasized that these measures protect small traders, hawkers, and family-owned businesses, which often lack digital infrastructure, from compliance burdens that could threaten their survival. He welcomed the government's decision to permanently exempt businesses with annual revenues below RM500,000 from e-invoice obligations and noted the postponement of e-invoicing for businesses with revenues below RM5 million to January 1, 2026. This flexibility, Ng stated, is vital for the survival and growth of small businesses in a dynamic economic environment.

The Inland Revenue Board (IRB) stated that businesses with annual sales below RM500,000 are temporarily exempted from e-invoice implementation. The e-invoice implementation is postponed to January 1, 2026, for businesses with annual revenues between RM1 million and RM5 million, and to July 1, 2026, for businesses with annual revenues up to RM1 million. The IRB highlighted that the decision reflects the government's consideration of taxpayers' needs, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which need time and preparation for mandatory compliance.