Enforcement personnel ensuring compliance with zero-rated GST

Sarawak KPNDKK enforcement officers checking on the price of electrical goods at an outlet in Kuching.

KUCHING: The Sarawak Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry (KPDNKK) together with the Customs Department intensified inspections on businesses following the implementation of zero-rated goods and services tax.

Sarawak KPDNKK director Mohd Nawawi Abdul Rahman said 14 types of businesses involving 543 premises were visited since May 24, involving inspections of 16,290 items, mainly essential goods and food.

He said the inspections found that the majority of traders complied with the rules, in terms of price tagging.

“We will continue to monitor compliance with zero GST so the impact can be enjoyed by the people,” he said when met during a joint inspection at a supermarket in Tabuan Jaya here.

Mohd Nawawi said both the ministry and Customs would carry out daily monitoring until both agencies were satisfied that there was 100% compliance by all merchants.

Meanwhile, Sabah KPDNKK too said it was satisfied with the rate of compliance among traders.

Sabah KPDNKK director Yahya Sulaiman said monitoring of several areas found that traders had complied with the change of GST from six to 0%.

“We monitored supermarkets in several places and found the price of goods which had GST previously had now been reduced.

Yahya said action could be taken against those who did not reduce the price of goods and services which previously had GST.

“We urge all buyers to always ask for receipts in case of complaints,” he said.

Customers said they were happy to see a drop in price.

“The change is obvious. I compared the prices at a mobile phone shop two weeks ago and now, there is clearly a reduction,” said Dion Malbin.

Dion, 31, said the 0% GST was good news especially for those in the lower-income group.

Meanwhile, KPNDKK operations rooms could be contacted at 088-484 368 (Kota Kinabalu), 089-776 690 (Tawau), 089-668 107 (Sandakan), 088-787 822 (Tuaran), 088-615 311 (Kudat), 087-222 240 (Beaufort) , 087-338 400 (Keningau), 089-886 090 (Lahad Datu) and 089-782 866 (Semporna). — Bernama