Hotels ready for GST implementation

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KUCHING: Most hoteliers in Sarawak are in the final phase of preparation for the Goods and Services Tax (GST) which will take effect nationwide tomorrow.

Pullman Hotel Kuching general manager Felix Yeo, however, cautioned that since GST is new, it will take a bit of time before their staff and guests can fully grasp the mechanics of the new taxation structure or system.

“With any new things we will be expecting some rough edges which will be smoothened over the week,” said Yeo when contacted by The Borneo Post yesterday.

For Pullman Hotel, Yeo said they are currently working hand in hand with a team of consultants from software companies who will ensure that their systems run smoothly tomorrow.

Besides the hotel’s service system, their staff have also been trained and given insights into how the GST will be implemented and its rippling effect on the industry, he stressed.

“It is actually quite exciting and a historic moment for Malaysia, we are also proud of being part of this historic moment even though we have to learn new things and requirements,” he said.

Yeo believes the implementation of the GST will help the Malaysian government and the country to be financially stronger.

“The GST in fact has been practised in other countries such as Maldives and Singapore whose citizens have learnt to accept it (GST). It is a fact of life and everybody has to move on with it,” he said.

He said they had not received any feedback or suggestions on GST from their guests yet.

“I will be surprised if people are complaining about it (GST). I have also not heard of people praising it,” he jested.

Meanwhile, Riverside Majestic Hotel and Grand Margherita Hotel acting general manager Patrick Lau said they would comply with the GST.

Starting tomorrow, hotel guests will need to pay an extra six per cent for services provided by the hotels.