Johor Sultan wants state govt, local councils to seek GST exemption

JOHOR BARU: Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Sultan Iskandar has directed the state government and local councils to request an exemption for the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on public services.

He said it was not logical to impose the tax on public services as it was the duty of the state government and local councils to provide free services for tax payers.

“It is not fair for them (tax payers) to pay the GST for public services as they are already paying GST for other products and services,” said Sultan Ibrahim in his speech at the opening of the state legislative assembly sitting at Bangunan Sultan Ibrahim in Bukit Timbalan here on Thursday.

The Sultan further directed the state government to review the Johor Real Property and Housing Board Bill.

He said that did not give his consent to the Bill passed by the state legislative as the amendments had been made due to pressure from outsiders.

He said a review was necessary as it could contravene other enactments which such as the Johor Corporation Enactment 1968.

The Bill which had 10 amendments made to the original draft was passed on June 14, last year after all Barisan Nasional representatives voted for it.