Traders in Perak are warned to update and display zero-rated Goods and Services Tax (GST) prices. And they have 30 days to comply beginning June 1 till June 30.
Perak Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Department (KPDNKK) assistant enforcement officer, Rus Bakar Ruraini Shahfie said action would be taken against errant traders under the Enforcement of Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 1999 and the Trade Descriptions Act 2011 should they fail to do so.
“Checks will be conducted by us (KPDNKK) and the Royal Customs Department (JKDM). Therefore, all traders are urged to comply with the government’s directive by displaying the new prices within the grace period.
“Following the new ruling, some 300 enforcement and price monitoring officers have gone to the ground to gather information,” he told a press conference after checking on prices at retail outlets at Aeon Kinta City, Ipoh with State Executive Councillor for Civil Society, Consumer Affairs, National Integration, Human Resources and Health, A. Sivanesan, today.
Rus advised consumers to check their receipts each time they pay for the items bought to make sure that the GST is at zero percent. This is because price on the tags of the goods on display racks and that on the receipt may differ, as retailers need time to change the tagged prices.
“The six percent GST must be deducted at the cash register and reflected in the receipt, although retailers are allowed to maintain the old price tags for the time being.
“Consumers must be alert and ensure that the receipt shows GST at zero percent, not the standard-rated six percent any more. If it’s still there, they can lodge a report with the JKDM or the KPDNKK,” he said.
Members of the public can file complaints with KPDNKK through the Consumer Complaints Line at 1800-886-800, Strategic Operations Movement Centre (PIGOS) line at 03-88826088/6245, Strategic Operations Movement Centre (PIGOS) line at 03-88826088/6245, KPDNKK E-Complaint System or go to the nearest KPDNKK office.
Sivanesan said he was satisfied with what he saw and the turnout of shoppers at the mall.
“We’re not worried about retailers at shopping malls or supermarkets but what I’m worried about is small-time traders in the markets and shops. We’ll start checking on them too.
“We can see many people doing their shopping today. I’m very satisfied with the situation. I was informed by the Aeon Co. (M) Bhd management that there were less turnout two days ago. Many people waited until June 1 to do their shopping,” he told reporters.
Checks by Ipoh Echo at Aeon Kinta City shopping mall saw an increase in the number of shoppers doing their Hari Raya shopping after GST is zero-rated today, as compared to yesterday.
Housewife, Malinda Abdul Rahman, 39, told Ipoh Echo that she and her husband had taken leave just to shop for their children’s needs today.
“After the new Pakatan Harapan government announced that GST would be abolished on June 1, my husband and I planned this outing. We managed to save a bit,” she told Ipoh Echo.
Farhana Zailani, 42, said she was pleased with the opportunity to buy goods at a lower price during the transitional period before the Sales and Services Tax (SST) comes into play on September 1.
“I’ve three kids. This is the right moment for me to do my shopping for Hari Raya, as I can save more,” she added.
Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) Ipoh Sales Manager, Nor Hairol Azril Abdul Halim said that since Perodua launched GST rebates for purchase, service and parts between May 18 and 31, sales had picked up tremendously.
“We can see the difference before and after. The highest-selling models are Perodua Myvi, followed by Axia, Bezza and Alza.
“The sales are set to pick up during this festive season due to the zero-rated GST,” he said.
Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Perak Chapter Chairman and Director of Syeun Hotel, Maggie Ong told Ipoh Echo that not all hotels in Perak are revising rates, as some hotels have been absorbing the six percent GST and giving customers nett rates instead.
“For Syeun Hotel, we’ve been observing this since 2015. Thus, there’ll be no changes in terms of pricing after GST is abolished,” she remarked.
Nabilah Hamudin
