Retailers dread long queues and angry customers

JOHOR BARU: Some supermarket operators and shop owners are having sleepless nights, expecting long queues and angry customers as GST rolls out.

Supermarket manager S. Thila, 46, said she is bracing for long lines at the service desk from tomorrow because customers may be confused.

“We are preparing to face angry customers who may not understand the new tax and insist on refunds,” she said.

Thila said that over the past few months the supermarket has been highlighting prices of products that will be seeing an increase following the implementation of GST.

“In an effort to tell consumers about the expected price hikes of some basic items, we have been putting up ‘before and after April 1’ pricing labels and handing out pamphlets on GST,” she said.

Sundry shop owner Teo Toh Heng, 70, said he was also dreading angry customers quarrelling over prices.

“While some prices will drop, others will increase due to GST. Those consumers unaware of the new tax will blame us retailers.

“I foresee a drop in business by up to 50% over the next few months,” he said.