KUALA LUMPUR: Sales of vehicles are expected to pick up in May after a weaker April, boosted by the companies' zero-rated Goods and Services Tax (GST) sales campaign.
The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) said on Tuesday the Hari Raya festive season promotional campaigns would also boost sales.
The trade body said total industry volume (TIV) in April was 47,089 units, down 5.8% or 2,896 units from March. Passenger vehicles accounted for 41.982 units and commercial vehicles at 5,107 units.
However, the sales were higher when compared to April 2017's TIV sales of 42,746 units, comprising 37,741 passenger veicles and 5,005 commercial vehicles.
Commenting on the April TIV, it said sales fell on-month as consumers adopted a “wait-and-see” attitude due to the General Election 2014, which was held on May 9.
Last Wednesday, the Ministry of Finance announced that its 6% GST rate would be voided on June 1 and indicated that it would reintroduce the Sales and Services Tax (SST) that was in place before the introduction of the GST in 2015.