Abdul Karim (sixth left, back row) posing for a group photo with the VIPs and staff of 11 Ridgeway where the Sape Workshop was held — Photos by Chimon Upon
KUCHING: Traders have been told not to take advantage of the abolition of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) by increasing or maintaining prices of their goods and services.
Considering that the GST is now zero-rated beginning June 1, the least that these traders should do is to decrease their prices accordingly, said Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
“Even though they only need to decrease prices of goods and services by a mere 10 to 20 sen, it must be done because the GST is now zero-rated. If there is no decrease in prices then whatever the government has aimed to do is not bringing any good to the people at large,” he stressed.
He made the remarks when met after opening a Sape Workshop at 11 Ridgeway, Off Jalan Ong Tiang Swee here yesterday.
Among the dignitaries present were his deputy Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Deputy State Legislative Assembly Speaker Dato Gerawat Gala, Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum and Kota Samarahan Municipal Council chairman Dato Peter Minos.
Abdul Karim said any state government would strife hard to ease the burden of the people, thus zero-rating the GST was most welcomed.
Abdul Karim strumming the strings of the Sape while Gerawat (left) and Snowdan look on.
Abdul Karim (seated second right) and other dignitaries being entertained by the welcoming troupe at 11 Ridgeway where the Sape Workshop was held.