There is no doubt that inflation will soar now that Putrajaya wants to subject 60 basic food items to the goods and services tax (GST), warned PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli.

He said this would result in economic repercussions and public backlash due to the added burden faced by the lower-income group, said Rafizi, who is also a trained accountant.

"Even though a portion of the food items comprise imported fruits and vegetables, there are also many other basic food items used by a majority of Malaysians," he said.