The federal government is reportedly considering imposing an 18% General Sales Tax (GST) on stationery items in the upcoming budget as part of broader revenue-enhancement measures. If approved, the tax could apply to a wide range of products, including notebooks, pens, pencils, markers, files, and other educational and office supplies.
The proposal has drawn attention from education stakeholders, retailers, and consumers, who argue that higher taxes could increase the cost of essential learning materials for students and educational institutions. Supporters of the measure, however, view it as part of efforts to expand the tax base and improve government revenue collection.
The final decision is expected to be announced during the presentation of the federal budget, where policymakers will outline tax reforms, fiscal targets, and economic priorities for the coming financial year.
