MIRI: The public’s misconception on Goods and Services Tax (GST) could lead to more rumours spread by profiteers out to seek more profit before it is effectively imposed from April next year.
A section of the over 1,000 people comprising members of the public and various Chinese associations attending the GST seminar at Miri Civic Centre.
Ting speaking at the GST seminar last Sunday.
This warning came from Ting Tai Fook, Special Assistant to Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah, who said there had been speculations of inflation once the GST was implemented.
“These several months, we have received inquiries from concerned members of the public on price inflation of goods varying from eggs and cooking oil to petrol and housing scheme. Worse, it has resulted in panic among the unsuspecting people, some of whom were tricked into purchasing unnecessary items in bulk.
“As for the profiteers, we are made to believe that they could possibly increase the price recklessly, which could create further chaotic situation in the country prior to the implementation,” Ting said at a GST seminar conducted in Chinese here last Sunday.
Explaining the new system in Mandarin, Ting assured that GST was in fact a transparent system with all items paid and charged to be printed out in an invoice.
“This is unlike the current Sales and Service Tax (SST) which has been implemented here for the past 30 years where invoices do not show the tax and price charged on each item nor how much tax has been included, it is certain that the GST system would be fair and square to all Malaysians,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ting rubbished the rumour spread among the Chinese community that only the Chinese pay tax to the government.
“It actually all depends on one’s liability and annual income to make him/her eligible as a tax payer,” he said.
Ting also showed the list of standard-rated, zero-rated and exempt items to the audience to enable them to differentiate and identify the items and charges.
“These items are listed under different categories due to their importance in our daily lives. However, since buying is in fact consumers’ choice, it would be wise for consumers to check and compare prices when making purchases,” Ting said to an audience of over 1,000 Chinese at the seminar held at Miri Civic Centre.
During the seminar, Ting was asked numerous questions by the audience who wanted clarification on GST, before showing a video on the proper way to register online at http://gst.customs.gov.my.