Waive GST for sports equipment

Published: Thursday January 2, 2014 MYT 12:00:00 AM 

Updated: Thursday January 2, 2014 MYT 8:36:14 AM

THE Finance Minister, who ia also the Prime Minister, announced at the recent Budget that the Goods and Service Tax (GST) will be implemented in April 2015. As this is still a long way off, I hope when it is implemented the rakyat will be ready for it. 

I appeal to the Finance Minister to consider waiving the GST for all sports equipment for the people to be active in sports and live healthy lifestyles. 

If the rakyat is healthy, physically and mentally, the medical cost of the Government will automatically be reduced. 

Australia, a nation where the population is about the same as Malaysia, excels in most sports at the world level. It has also qualified for the World Cup in Brazil later this year. 

The Australian Government encourages its citizens to be active in sports by giving incentives in various forms.

As our Prime Minister is an ardent sports fan, we hope he will consider waving the GST for all sports equipment.

P. BALAKRISHNAN 

Penang