High use of GST apps, hotline shows consumers more aware

KUALA LUMPUR: The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a given but the positive aspect of this new tax is rising consumer awareness as was seen by the response to the GST apps and a hotline set up on Wednesday, the day GST was introduced.

The Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism Ministry’s MyKira GST apps received some 30,000 inquiries while 1,829 complaints were lodged over the hotline.

The high number of complaints is a positive, said Lee Lam Thye, a consumer advocate since the 1970s.

“Consumer activism has increased significantly compared to the 60s and 70s. More consumers are aware of their rights,” said Lee in a report carried by The Malay Mail Online.

“The government must continue to give information to the public to avoid confusion, he added.

A Vijayakumaran, the chairman of the Consumers Protection Association of Negeri Sembilan, said the government should address the people’s complaints.

The government should take note of what is bothering the people and look into it, he said.

Amarjit Singh Gill, secretary-general of the Malaysian Consumers Association, said, the high number of enquiries and complaints indicated that consumer awareness was rising.

The GST affects everybody and many people are still uncertain and confused with the new taxation system that replaces the Sales and Service tax.

With the rising number of complaints and enquiries received, the government will be able to take appropriate action, said Amarjit.