Sarawak to absorb GST for local government services

SIBU: Sarawak will absorb the Goods and Services Tax (GST) for local government services in the state. 

Following the announcement by Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem (pix), Sarawak has become the fourth state after Johor, Terengganu and Penang to help the people pay GST. 

But Adenan he did not say when it would take effect.

He noted that the public were facing an increasing cost of living after GST was implemented.  

"The GST causes prices of goods to go up which is beyond my control.

"This is a Federal matter, not a state one," he said at a ceremony to end toll collection at Lanang Bridge, Sunday. 

But he said the state government was trying to find ways to lessen the people's burden.

This includes abolishing the collection of tolls at bridges in the state, lowering ferry charges to just RM1 from RM6 per usage, and lowering the electricity tariff for residential and commercial users.