Be vigilant on prices after GST lifted, says Domestic Trade enforcement director

PUTRAJAYA: With GST set to be zero-rated on June 1, consumers should be vigilant and ensure the goods they purchase have been deducted the 6% tax.

"We have collected samples of goods pre-zero-rised price and will compare it to June 1 price to ensure traders do not charge the GST," Domestic Trade, Consumerism and Cooperatives enforcement director Datuk Roslan Mahayudin said.

Roslan added that a sharp increase in demand is to blame for the spike in prices of essential goods.

"This, coupled with lower production, has resulted in consumers having to pay more for certain food items," he said.

He said this was a normal trend during the early part of Ramadan, when demand for goods goes up as much as 50% compared to normal days.

"Nevertheless, our officers continue to monitor prices. If the increase is reasonable, we get traders to show us documents as to how they derive the selling price," he said on Monday.

Roslan was commenting on complaints on the price of food items such as beef, chicken and vegetables.

He said that with people wanting to do business by opening stalls at Ramadan bazaars sell raya cookies and even cook a spread for buka puasa, prices of foodstuffs were bound to surge due.

"But with Ramadan entering second week, we see prices now more stable. And the fair weather helps in ensuring constant supply of certain produce," he said.