The Deputy Chief minister of Sabah Datuk Yahya Hussin has called on the people to give the government space and time especially to the implementers of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to carry out their duties and improve any weaknesses.

Yahya said it was normal for anything new to face teething problems and it did not mean GST was not good for the people and the country.

"There will be criticisms and weaknesses on anything new carried out by the government including the GST. I believe many understood the good intentions of GST and they should in turn explain to those who are still not clear on the matter," he said.

The Sabah UMNO secretary disclosed this to reporters after launching a motivational programme organised by the Putatan UMNO division training bureau here today.

Yahya, who is also the State Agriculture and Food Industry Minister, was confident all weaknesses and feedbacks from the people on the system would be addressed.

"It is a matter of time, the community will realise the benefits of GST to the people and country.

According to Yahya, traders should not take advantage of the people especially those in the rural areas who are not so familiar with GST.

"On the other hand, consumers should use their strength to fight errant traders out to rake in extraordinary profits by reporting them to the authorities.

"It appears the people now know how to demand for receipts to check for GST," he said.