Consumers can now lodge SST-related complaints via WhatsApp

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Saifuddin Nasution Ismail(pic) said the incentive, given in conjunction with SSM

ALOR SETAR (Bernama): Members of the public can now lodge complaints related to the Sales and Service Tax (SST) by sending a WhatsApp message via 019-2794317, says Datuk Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (pic).  

The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister said the use of the social media application as an alternative channel was to enable consumers to include their full name, image of the receipt and the name of the related premises.

"Action will be taken within 24 hours," he said after attending a SST implementation briefing session by the Customs Department here on Monday (Sept 10).  

He said the ministry has so far received 642 complaints via WhatsApp since the SST was introduced on Sept 1, adding that most of the complaints were on prices of food and beverages at restaurants.  

Saifuddin said since the SST implementation, there had been a drop in the prices of goods by between 0.2 and 12.9 percent.  

Meanwhile, Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir in his speech at the event said the SST implemented by the Pakatan Harapan government was more people-friendly compared with the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

"Through the SST,  taxable items have been reduced to 5,000 goods or 38 percent compared with 60 percent previously.

"The Pakatan government has also promised not to embezzle funds collected through the SST and should any government representative be involved in any breach of trust, action would be taken,” he said.

Over 200 people comprising state assemblymen, executive council members, heads of departments and government officials were present at the briefing. - Bernama