Shoppers’ guide to help consumers understand more about GST

Published: Wednesday May 7, 2014 MYT 12:00:00 AM 

Updated: Wednesday May 7, 2014 MYT 2:55:56 PM

Token of appreciation: (From left) Ahmad Maslan receiving a memento
from Zaini at the end of the programme in Kuching.

KUCHING: In its commitment to assist the people gain better understanding about the impending Goods and Services Tax (GST), the Government will issue a shoppers’ guide three months before the full implementation of the tax on April 1 next year.

The exercise, a collaboration between the Finance Ministry and Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry, is aimed at informing consumers on the list and prices of products affected by the GST.

“This is to avoid consumers being taken advantage by unscrupulous traders,” Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan told 150 personnel from the state Communications and Multimedia Ministry office during a GST roadshow here yesterday.

“Through Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry, the move will be under the purview of 2011 Price Control Act and Anti-Competition Act.”

Based on the study undertaken by Customs Department, Ahmad Maslan noted that out of 689 consumer products, 73 or 10% will have tax increase to 6% from the current 5% following the enforcement of GST.

However, 329 products would not be affected.

“In fact, 287 (40%) out of 689 products will see a tax drop to 6% from 10%, while 255 (products) are still being studied.”

On the GST roadshow, Ahmad Maslan said it was one of the ways to educate and raise awareness of GST across all segments of society.

“I have been informed that so far 250,000 people have attended seminars, tours and briefings on GST through the help of various ministries, while the GST portal has reached 250,000 hits,” he added.

Accompanying the deputy minister was state deputy Information director Zaini Mohamad.