Lim: RM10 vouchers will get you RM10 of mobile credit

Listen here: Lim stressing a point at the SST briefing in Kota Kinabalu. — Bernama

KOTA KINABALU: The government has assured prepaid handphone line users that they will receive the full amounts paid to reload their mobile credit.

Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng, who said this, rejected claims circulating on social media that reload vouchers were not exempted from the Sales and Service Tax (SST).

Lim also criticised those politi­cising the issue, including opposition parties.

“If there are opposition parties which use this issue as political material, tell them that prepaid card buyers who purchase RM10 vouchers will get RM10 of mobile credit.

“There will not be any deductions. It is easier for telcos not to charge (SST) in the first place instead of giving rebates,” he said.

In his speech during an SST briefing at Hilton Hotel here yesterday, Lim reiterated that there was “no issue” and that he would meet with telcos next week to sort out the matter.

He also said the ministry would relook the list of SST exempted goods to decide if other items could be included.

Lim said the list could only be finalised by the year-end and urged the public to help by providing suggestions and recommendations.

“What’s most important is the economic well-being of the people,” he told reporters here.

He also advised consumers and businesses to check the latest information and list of tax exempted items to avoid confusion.

“Items like dried fish, dried shrimps and salted fish are SST exempt,” Lim said.

Customs director-general Datuk T. Subromaniam said they were working with the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry to set a “recommend price” on goods to stabilise prices in the market.

He also urged the public with any problems with regards to the SST to call the department’s hotline at off peak hours due to line congestion.

“We have extended our working hours up to midnight and even to weekends,” he added.