Seminars to keep public informed about Goods and Services Tax

Published: Wednesday August 21, 2013 MYT 12:00:00 AM 

Updated: Wednesday August 21, 2013 MYT 3:57:01 PM

Informative: Participants at the GST seminar in Kuching.
-ANDRE OLIVEIRO / The Star

KUCHING: Although the Government decided to implement the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in Budget 2005, this however had to be delayed as it was found that the business sector and the people were not ready yet to accept its implementation.

State Customs Department deputy director Ahmad Jii said this was due to lack of awareness and understanding on the taxation system of the GST implementation.

“The Customs Department has organised several public relations sessions on the GST for consumers, industries and elected representatives in the state since 2010.

“The GST awareness programme will be the main agenda for the department this year until its implementation is announ- ced by the Government,” he said when opening a two-day GST seminar here yes- terday.

Ahmad said the GST Bill 2009, which was tabled for first reading in Parliament in December 2009, was soon approaching the consumers and business community based on last year’s budget indicators and the latest economic development.

“The challenge is that many of us are not well versed with the GST implementation and what its benefits are.

“That is why it is apt that the Customs Department continue to engage the public through seminars like this. As the government department entrusted by the Government to implement the tax, publicity on its implementation is therefore important to ensure everyone, especially the business community and consumers, is ready and understand its implementation.

“It is only when it is fully understood that its implementation can be well received,” he added.