GST implementation not a burden to the people - NGO

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) implementation on April 1 this year is not viewed as a burden to the people.

Johor Consumer Movement Association chairman Abdul Majid Kayat said the people should not be swayed by allegations from irresponsible quarters that GST was a burden.

The people should instead first understand it before making any conclusion.

"They (certain quarters) really oppose (GST), so all kinds of negative allegations are spread.

"Nevertheless I am confident that the government has a detailed study of the pros and cons of GST for the people before implementing it," he said when contacted by Bernama here, today.

He said the GST was already implemented in most developed countries and so far its implementation had not caused any problems.

Abdul Majid said at the initial stage of the implementation, the public would likely be slightly affected by the hike in the prices of certain goods.

However, he said the effect would not be extensive as the government was also exempting many goods from being imposed with GST.

Meanwhile, Johor Baharu Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (JBCCCI) Datuk Loh Liam Hiang said JBCCCI had also agreed that GST is implemented as scheduled.

But he said JBCCCI, which has 900 members, hoped the government would give some leeway if certain companies made mistakes at the initial stage of the implementation.

Johor State Malay Contractors Association Mahmood Amir said the government's decision to introduce GST was timely and the association fully supported its implementation.

Negeri Sembilan Customs director Datuk Syed Mohri Syed Abu Bakar said 9,099 companies in the state had registered under GST, which exceeded the target of 6,500 companies.