KUALA LUMPUR: Pest control business owners want clear guidelines on the sales and service tax (SST) expansion.
The Malaysia Pest Control Association (MPMA) says its members have been getting mixed messages from the government when they asked about the scope of SST.
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“The nature of our industry is complex and multifaceted as it spans general pest control, vector management, hygiene, fumigation and more across diverse sectors including residential, commercial, industrial and government contracts," MPMA president Regine Lim told a press conference at Wisma MCA here on Tuesday (May 6).
“We seek clear and practical guidelines from the Customs Department and the Finance Ministry to eliminate uncertainty and allow proper compliance moving forward."
Strata Owners Association of Malaysia chairman Datuk Theng Book, who also spoke on behalf of the affected businesses, said they were unsure whether or not they have to register with the government as part of the SST expansion.
“You check with official A, they will say, no need. Then, when you check with official B, they say it’s better to do so.
“The government keeps on changing the (requirements) but (the authorities) themselves are unsure which industry needs to pay," he said.
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He added that business owners which registered would have to pay the 8% tax and this would be reflected in their charges to customers, while those that did not register would have an edge over the competition.
However, they may find themselves facing action and fines if they fail to register, he added.
MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Seri Michael Chong, who organised the press conference, called for a delay in the expansion of SST while proper guidelines are drawn up.
“Get your house in order first,” he said.
Last week, a Finance Ministry spokesman said the expansion of the SST, originally planned for this month as announced in Budget 2025, will be implemented at a later date.
