236,701 business premises inspected since GST implementation

The Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry (KPDNKK) has inspected 236,701 business premises throughout the country through its 'Ops Catut' since April 1.

Its secretary general Datuk Seri Alias Ahmad said since the implementation of the goods and services tax (GST) system on April 1 till May 7, the ministry received 5,597 complaints through its 'e-aduan' system.

He said 649 cases were investigated, of which 260 were imposed compounds.

"Investigation on three cases is in the final stage while three would face trial in court," he told reporters after an operation to check on goods prices, at Pasar Lama Sungai Besi here Sunday.

Also present was KPDNKK enforcement director general Mohd Roslan Mahayuddin.

Alias said KPDNKK also received eight complaints pertaining to service charge at restaurants and eateries and five complaints against sundry shops.

"Monitoring on service charge at hotels and restaurants will be continued. Four investigation papers have been opened on failure of owners to clearly display a notice that they were charging GST.

"The culprits can be fined up to RM100,000," he said.

Meanwhile, KPDNKK inspected 177 premises at the Pasar Lama Sungai Besi operation and took action against 10 owners.