From tax hikes on fruits to rising airfare costs, today’s top headlines cut across policy, prices, and aviation.

🇲🇾 Malaysia

Malaysia’s Ministry of Finance confirmed that all imported fruits—such as bananas, pineapples, and rambutans—will be subject to a 5% SST starting July.
Locally grown fruits remain tax-exempt, while essentials like rice, sugar, and palm oil are unaffected.
Key points:

• Affected fruits include longan, langsat, jackfruit, and starfruit
  
• Exempt: Malaysian-grown fruits and key staples
  
• Grace period: Tax registration and compliance begin September
  

🌍 International

In the U.S., May’s Consumer Price Index rose just 0.1%, but inflationary pressures loom as the Trump administration’s sweeping tariffs remain in force.
A federal court has allowed “Liberation Day” tariffs to stay while appeals continue, citing national economic authority.
Key impacts:

• Tariffs affect imports from Canada, China, Mexico
  
• U.S. retailers brace for late-year price hikes
  
• Legal battle over Trump’s emergency powers continues
  

🌏 Asia

Qantas is shutting down Jetstar Asia, citing unmanageable cost increases from Changi Airport’s new RM9.8 billion upgrade.
The closure, effective July 31, impacts over 500 jobs and marks the end of Jetstar’s 21-year presence in Singapore.
Highlights:

• Flights to cease from July 31
  
• Airbus A320 fleet to be redeployed to Australia & NZ
  
• Four exclusive routes to be reassigned to other carriers

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