Hypermarts all set for launch tomorrow

PETALING JAYA: Big retailers are all set for the GST tomorrow.

“There will be banners and signs explaining what GST is and the difference between zero and standard rates,” said Mydin managing director Datuk Ameer Ali Mydin.

Customers should check the price display for products that are subject to GST or not.

“If it is at zero rate, they will see a ‘0%’ followed by ‘GST’ in small letters. Those subject to the standard rate will not have any specific label as more goods are under GST,” he said in an interview.

He said shoppers should also be aware that processed food products would be subject to GST.

“One example would be tomato ketchup,” he said.

He said Mydin had been making massive preparations for GST.

However, Ameer conceded that hiccups were bound to occur at the beginning stage “as we have 251 stores nationwide with 130,000 items on the shelves”.

It would take time to rectify the errors, he said, seeking customers’ patience while they sort things out.

Giant (GCH retail) corporate communications officer Rozalinda Idris said they had been working on having labels for products which come under GST, besides printing their GST registration number on receipts.

“We are consumers ourselves, so we want to ensure that all the necessary information is communicated to the people through labels and signs.

“Human error, however, cannot be avoided. If there is such a case, we will acknowledge the mistake and charge the lower price,” she said.

She said they had been given guidelines from the Government on the matter, and the company had been working on them since the second quarter of last year.

Panasonic Malaysia finance manager Michelle Chong said they had made the necessary changes to their invoice template to feature their GST registration number.

“Price revision for labels is being done. We are doing our best to comply with the requirements of the Government,” she said.