GST will be implemented according to initial schedule

PETALING JAYA: The government is not planning to postpone the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) which will be executed on April 1.

Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah said traders and government agencies must make use of the remaining days to prepare for the implementation of the tax.

"The implementation of GST currently follows the proposed scheduled," he said in a statement today.

He added that the government hopes the implementation of the new tax would proceed smoothly, and arising problems, if there is any, would be handled immediately.

Ahmad Husni said the GST Monitoring Committee had sat for its first executive meeting for 2015 at the Finance Ministry today.

He added that so far 350,054 companies has registered for the implementation of GST.

He said the Customs Department took several steps to ensure traders are well prepared in facing GST, such as organising training programmes and preparing a Frequently Asked Questions section which could be accessed at www.gst.customs.gov.my.

"The government will also ensure consumers receive full information on GST. This is to deter irresponsible parties from taking advantage, especially on the prices of goods," he said.

He added that the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry had published "Shopper's Guide" in assisting consumers to make price comparisons before and after the implementation of GST.

"The guide is prepared based on six territories namely Central, South, North, East, Sabah and Sarawak and includes price changes of 500 goods," he said.