Buying sprees to avoid tax

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) rolls in at midnight and many consumers are rushing to buy items they believe will cost more after the new tax. Thronging malls and marts, they are snapping up smartphones, electronics, medicines and groceries but not all those purchases may result in savings.

PETALING JAYA: The Goods and Services Tax (GST) which will kick in at midnight has sent many consu­mers on buying sprees, that have intensified over the past few days, to avoid the new tax.

Despite being constantly reminded that the GST will not be a burden, a deluge of people converged on shopping centres, digital malls and even grocery chains over the weekend.