Need for clearer picture on GST: ACCCIM

News 2014-01-21 11:19

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 20 (Bernama) -- The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) has urged the government to come up with a clearer picture on the proposed implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

ACCCIM secretary-general Datuk Low Kian Chuan said this would better prepare the merchants ahead of the GST implementation in April 2015.

"We're also working closely with the Customs Department and other relevant government agencies to get the latest updates on the GST implementation," he told Bernama today.

Low said ACCCIM would organise a roadshow nationwide after the Chinese New Year to inform and educate the business community on the GST implementation and its possible effects on their business growth.

It would kick off on March 22 in conjunction with the 4th ACCCIM-SME conference, he said.

The GST will be introduced at six per cent by the government, replacing the existing consumption tax system which includes sales tax and service tax at 16 per cent.

Among Asean countries, Indonesia was the first to practise the GST in 1984, followed by other countries, with the exception of Malaysia, Brunei and Myanmar.

Meanwhile, ACCCIM called on technicians from the community who were without certificates to get their skills recognised.

Its president Datuk Lim Kok Cheong said the relevant certificates would enhance their survival and competitiveness in their respective fields.

To ensure more technicians were able to do so, he said the association was working with the Department of Skills Development towards offering the necessary certification.