Group calls for SST exemption for cameras

KUALA LUMPUR: The photography industry is appealing for the abolition of the 6% Sales and Service Tax (SST) on cameras and accessories.

Federation of Commercial Photo­graphic Society president Kuan Tan said the implementation of the SST had affected the development of the local industry.

“We hope the government will abolish SST for this industry to reduce our burden. Since the weakening of the ringgit, camera prices have increased. The fashion, tourism, film and advertising industries have also been affected,” he said.

Since the 1980s until the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2015, cameras had always been tax-free, said Tan.

Its vice-president Ng Wei Lee said a check with society members showed that sales had dropped by 30% since the implementation of both GST and SST.

Datuk Seri Michael Chong, who is an adviser to the federation, said it was asking for the government to take action as the photography industry had been suffering in recent years.

Some 2,000 members of the society were heavily affected as the industry was not doing well, he added.

The petition is expected to be sent to the Finance Ministry in the next few days.