GST and CAT briefing sees good turnout

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TAX TALK: (From third to sixth left) Othman, Impira, Alex, Noelle and others before the start of the briefing.

SARIKEI: About 200 representatives from the business community, heads of departments, community leaders and non-governmental organisations attended a briefing on Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Customs Appeal Tribunal (CAT) organised by the Malaysian Royal Customs Department at the civic centre here yesterday.

The main purpose of the briefing was to enlighten the target groups on the two subjects.

Briefing on GST touched on tax in general, current consumerism taxation, the purpose or objectives of GST, proposed GST model and preparation towards its implementation.

The same applies to the briefing on Customs Appeal Tribunals which champion the objectives of providing an appeal system which is fair, transparent and speedy for any persons aggrieved by the decision of the director-general of Customs and enhancing the efficiency of the tax administration appeal system to make it more business and client friendly.

Basically CAT is an avenue for anyone aggrieved with the decisions of the director- general of Customs under the Customs Act 1967, Excise Act 1976, Sales Tax 1972 and the Service Tax Act 1975 with the exception of matters relating to compound and subsection 128(3) of Customs Act 1967.

The appeal must be filed on Form A (Notice of Appeal) at CAT Office within 30 days from the date of notification of the decision and a RM100 filing fee is required.

Upon registration of the appeal, CAT would fix the date, place and time for hearing not less that 14 days in advance.

The briefing on CAT was presented by deputy chairman of CAT Othman Abdullah while GST was presented by senior assistant director of Customs II (Unit GST) Noelle Lily Morse.

Among those present were Divisional Customs chief Alim Impira and Deputy Resident (Social) Alex Liau.