GST implementations is improving - Ministry

The implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), which began on April 1, is improving day by day, said Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Alias Ahmad.

Unlike other countries, the GST implementation in Malaysia would take some time to stabilise.

"For example, Australia took a year (to stabilise GST implementation), Singapore took over eight months. Asian and Latin (American) countries needed between 12 to 18 months to stabilise the GST implementation in their respective countries.

"In Malaysia, I found the GST implementation is improving even only after the eighth day," he told reporters at a joint conference with the Malaysian Customs Department GST Division director Datuk T. Subromaniam at the Finance Ministry here today.

Despite some 'teething' problems faced during the initial stage of implementation, he said the Customs and the ministry had always worked closely with other relevant agencies to take follow up actions.

On service charge, Alias said eight notices were issued during 141 inspections concerning service charge at various business outlets nationwide yesterday.

"Consumers who are dissatisfied with the service charge imposed by business operators can lodge their complaints at the Malaysian Consumer Claims Tribunal," he said.

He said each business premises which imposed the service charge on their customers should explain their basis for doing so.

"In the spirit of collective agreement between the employer and workers, the service charge should reach the workers," he said.