GST implemented by 169 countries - Ahmad Husni

The number of countries that have implemented goods and services tax (GST) has increased to 169 compared with 160 countries last year, said Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah.

He said the nine new countries had implemented the system a year ago.

"Why should we be excluded?" he told reporters after officiating the upgrading works of traffic lights at Kampung Baru, Kuala Kuang here, Sunday.

The government would implement GST at the rate of six per cent starting April 1, next year.

In another development, Ahmad Husni hoped that all parties would cooperate with the government to improve the country's economy, following the drop in fuel prices.

Ahmad Husni said among measures that could help is a reduction in the price of goods as cost of production would drop following lower oil prices.

"Let us work together since we have said earlier, we increased the price of goods because of high fuel costs, now that oil prices have fallen let us reduce the price of goods," he said.

He said with the price of goods reduced, purchasing power would increase and this would contribute positively to the economy.