SUPP Public Complaints Bureau (SPCB) on GST

suppadmin | April 23, 2015

SUPP Public Complaints Bureau (SPCB) have recently been receiving complaints from the public on rising prices of many items since the implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on the 1st April 2015. This is especially so since last week as the inflationary effects from the Goods and Services Tax begin to bite.

It is noted that although many items are classified as zero rated under GST, this six percent (6%) consumption tax is now being blamed for an increase in price of goods or services and the Government ends up being blamed as not caring.

The imposition of GST is not something new as it is adopted by over 170 nations and that GST is a far more effective tool for tax collection because it is broad based and transparent and is supposed to reduce costs due to the abolishment of Service and Sale Tax. In this regard, the rising prices of goods and services could be due to the lack of effective enforcement by the authorities concerned.

SPCB understands the feelings of consumers and in view of this, the bureau has had recently made a courtesy call to the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry office. The purpose of the visit was to highlight the predicament and confusion faced by a lot of consumers.

During the courtesy call, the SPCB requested that the enforcement division of the Ministry to continue with their checks and inspection on business premises on profiteering to ascertain if the price hike is simply due to natural supply and demand. SPCB also hope that the enforcement division of the Ministry will increase their frequency of their checks and inspections to ensure that each licensed and regulated business does not overcharge their customers.

Anyone who have knowledge of any unscrupulous and irresponsible traders overcharging or illegally collecting GST when they are not registered are requested to furnish the information to Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry office at e-aduan@kpdnkk.gov.my or 082466012 or they can forward the information through SPCB or call SPCB’s mobile number at 016-7797688 or 082-246999 or go direct to SUPP Head Office.