Disabled need more GST exempted essential items

A senator wants the government to provide Goods and Services Tax (GST) exemption to more essential items for people with disabilities.

K. Bathmavathi, who is also a person with disabilities, said when the GST was first implemented, only 11 items were exempted from GST while another 20 were exempted, bringing the total to 31 items.

"Government should discuss with the relevant associations to increase the number of listed items," he said when debating the motion of thanks on the Yang di-Pertuan Agong''s address at the Dewan Negara today.

At present, he said among the essential items for the disabled being GST exempted are motorised wheel chair, crutches and hearing aids.

He also suggested that a special fund be established to help people with disabilities to own houses.

Bathmavathi said currently only 500,000 people with disabilities nationwide are registered with the Welfare Department but according to the ''World Report on Disability'' estimates, there are 4.5 million people with disabilities in the country based on the country''s population.

-- BERNAMA