CUCKOO International (MAL) Bhd is calling on the Malaysian Government to include Essential Wellness Products such as water purifiers, air purifiers, and mattresses in the upcoming Budget 2026 tax relief framework. The initiative aims to make healthy living more affordable for Malaysian households while encouraging sustainable business growth. CUCKOO’s proposal highlights how home wellness appliances can help reduce cost-of-living pressures and improve the nation’s overall well-being, aligning with the Government’s vision of promoting healthier living environments across Malaysia.
1. Balancing Cost of Living and Business Sustainability
CUCKOO Malaysia’s CEO, Hoe Kian Choon, emphasised that Budget 2026 should strike a balance between providing cost-of-living relief for families and supporting sustainable business growth. With the expanded Sales and Service Tax (SST) introduced in July 2025, many households are feeling the financial squeeze. CUCKOO’s call aims to ensure that essential wellness products—once viewed as luxuries—become accessible essentials for every home.
2. Recognising “Essential Wellness Products”
CUCKOO proposed that appliances like water purifiers, air purifiers, and high-quality mattresses be classified as Essential Wellness Products, qualifying for tax exemptions or rebates. These products play a vital role in improving overall health and well-being—clean water, fresh air, and restful sleep contribute directly to better living standards.
3. Supporting First-Time Homeowners
Hoe also urged the government to introduce expanded lifestyle tax relief or grants for first-time homeowners, particularly those purchasing essential home appliances. This move could complement government housing programmes such as Skim Rumah Pertamaku (SRP), helping new homeowners ease financial burdens while creating safer, healthier living spaces.
4. Encouraging Public–Private Collaboration
The proposal further included public–private partnerships with affordable housing schemes like PR1MA, RUMAWIP, and PPA1M, offering residents the option to rent key appliances under price-capped packages. This could help families access modern home wellness solutions without heavy upfront costs, supporting the government’s affordable housing goals.
5. Incentives for Rental and Subscription Models
CUCKOO also recommended targeted tax incentives for companies offering rent-to-own or subscription-based appliance programmes, such as water purifiers or air purifiers. These initiatives can help lower household expenses while ensuring consistent compliance and promoting private-sector participation in government-linked initiatives.
6. CUCKOO’s Commitment to Healthier Living
“By aligning with the Government’s priorities in Budget 2026, we can help address cost-of-living pressures, stimulate domestic demand, and ensure that healthier living is not a luxury but a daily reality,” said Hoe.
CUCKOO Malaysia reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate with the government and industry peers to develop balanced, sustainable measures that benefit both households and the wider economy.
CUCKOO continues to champion its mission of making healthy living accessible to every Malaysian home. By recognising Essential Wellness Products in the national budget, Malaysia can take a major step toward improving public health and lifestyle quality.
Explore CUCKOO’s Essential Wellness Range — from water purifiers and air purifiers to mattresses and home solutions, discover how CUCKOO is redefining healthier living across Malaysia.
Sources:
- Business Today: Cuckoo Pushes For ‘Essential Wellness Products’ Tax Relief In Budget 2026
– https://www.businesstoday.com.my/2025/10/08/cuckoo-pushes-for-essential-wellness-products-tax-relief-in-budget-2026/ - New Straits Times: Cuckoo Calls For 2026 Budget Tax Breaks On Home Wellness Products
– https://www.nst.com.my/business/corporate/2025/10/1289727/cuckoo-calls-2026-budget-tax-breaks-home-wellness-products - Sin Chew: Cuckoo呼吁政府2026财政预算案给予家庭健康产品税务减免
– https://budget2026.sinchew.com.my/news/20251008/budget2026/6930673