ACCCIM does not expect delay in GST implementation

The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) does not expect the government to delay the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on April 1, despite the changes in the economy and catastrophe that has occurred in the country. Its Deputy President Datuk Ter Leong Yap said postponing the GST would not be the answer as it would happen anyway, and in the long-term would benefit the country. "I believe we (government and private sector) are all in a trial run when GST takes effect. "We must be ready to face it as a lot of work has been done by the government to implement this (GST)," he told Bernama here, today. However, he hoped the government would be more lenient towards business owners as the first year of the implementation would surely encounter mistakes and challenges. Ter said this when asked to comment on a research by Grant Thornton International Business Report today, which said the government should consider deferring the GST to perhaps July 1. Earlier, in a press conference in conjunction with ACCCIM's flood relief efforts, Ter said as to date the chamber had raised RM2 million in cash and goods, which had partly been distributed to various state governments' Disaster Relief Funds and charitable organisations. ACCCIM launched its first stage of flood relief actions by delivering and distributing essential mineral water and food to meet the flood victims' immediate needs on Dec 30, 2014. It also delivered essentials items such as rice cookers, school uniform and bags, shirts, diapers and baby clothing, mattresses, towels, cleaning equipment, electric generators, medicines and other necessities.