Monday, November 4, 2013

'No GST impact on healthcare'


Published: Monday November 4, 2013 MYT 12:00:00 AM 
Updated: Monday November 4, 2013 MYT 7:28:27 AM

MALACCA: Healthcare costs will not be impacted when the Goods and Services Tax (GST) is implemented in 2015, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam.

He said this was because healthcare was generally GST-exempt, and as such, urged all quarters not to speculate on the matter to avoid confusing the people.

Towards this end, Dr Subrama­niam said his ministry would be carrying out an in-depth study on the GST structure and issue a detailed list of services and health products that are GST-exempt for public consumption.

Under Budget 2014, a GST of 6% would be implemented from April 1, 2015.

Speaking to the 2,000-odd guests at the Deepavali open house at Ujong Pasir on Saturday night that included Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron and Senator Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam, Subramaniam said that the agency involved in food safety would also be strengthened to protect the public from the dangers of contaminated food.

The areas to be beefed up include the enforcement procedures to ensure that the food brought into the country is safe, and efforts to enhance public awareness on food safety.

“Currently, we are facing new challenges because various foods are being brought into the country,” he said.

Dr Subramaniam also said Malaysian Indians could look forward to a brighter future ahead under the leadership of Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak as he cared about the welfare of the community, adding that they should capitalise on opportunities provided in education, skills training and business.

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