PETALING JAYA: Malaysians heaved a sigh of relief after the government announced a nine-month grace period to register their vehicles as the June 30 deadline for the sales and services tax (SST) exemption for new cars will not be extended.
Some who considered purchasing new cars are now rushing to book their slots and are willing to wait up to six months.
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For Noor Aishah Aziz, the government’s announcement has persuaded her to now get a new set of wheels as she had already been discussing the idea with her husband in the last two months.
The Coway Health Planner will be rushing to her nearest car dealership to enjoy the SST waiver before deadline day.
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“I really need a new car but I have been hesitant because there are some issues with my payslip.
“But now I am really ready to book a local car before the SST waiver ends. Maybe a Perodua Bezza or Proton Saga,” said the 32-year-old.
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She added that she is willing to wait up to three months for her new car.
A writer who wanted to be known only as Lim from Petaling Jaya said he had already contacted his local Proton salesman to make a booking.
“I postponed my decision due to some reasons, but I’m keen on getting the tax exemption so I immediately made a booking,” he said.
Lim added that he was told delivery might be delayed but he is willing to wait up to six months for his car.
Some Malaysians, however, are not concerned over the government’s announcement. They are waiting for newer car models in the second half of the year or will be purchasing cars with a longer waiting period.
Muhammad Irfan Badaruddin, 28, was unfazed by the announcement as the delivery date for his desired car model will take more than six months.
Muhammad Irfan, who has been eyeing the new Proton X50 for the past two months, will take his time to make a decision.
“I was told to brace myself because it would take more than six months so I am not expecting to get my car anytime soon even if I book it now. So the announcement doesn’t really affect me,” said the consultant.
He added that he was initially planning to book a car before the month end.
“I calculated and saw that I might not be able to get my car before March 2023. So now I will take my time and survey other cars,” he said.
Muhammad Rahmuni Shahmi, 23, is unhappy that the tax exemption is ending as he is waiting to purchase a newer model later in the year.
“Those who have been eyeing existing car models might be rushing to purchase their cars, but for those of us who are waiting for newer models, it looks like we will not be eligible for the tax exemption,” said the sales assistant.
Yesterday, Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz announced that a total of 868,422 units of vehicles have been sold, with the sales tax exemption totalling RM4.7bil.
Under the SST waiver, locally assembled cars priced below RM100,000 could enjoy savings of between RM2,000 and RM3,000, while cars costing between RM100,000 and RM200,000 could be cheaper by between RM4,000 and RM7,000.
