KUCHING, June 5: The Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism (KPDNKK) in Sarawak hopes consumers in the state will help keep an eye on errant traders who are still charging six per cent Goods and Services Tax (GST).
Its state director, Datuk Stanley Tan, said the public’s assistance was needed because his office only had 198 enforcement and 102 price monitoring officers to cover the whole state.
“Consumers must be alert. Ensure that the receipt shows the GST as zero per cent, not six per cent anymore. If it is still there (six per cent), lodge a report with KPDNKK or the Customs Department immediately,” said Tan to reporters after checking on prices of goods at Everise Supermarket in Vivacity Megamall today.
Consumers can alert the authorities via the 1Malaysia One Call Centre (1MOCC) at 03-80008000, toll free line at 1-800-886800, email to e-aduan@kpdnkk.gov.my, through smartphone app EzADU, sms to 15888 or visit any KPDNKK offices in the state.
On ‘Ops Catut’ that was launched to ensure traders and other business entities comply with the directive to implement zero-per cent GST effective June 1, Tan said 907 premises and 27,210 items across the state had been checked till yesterday.
He added that the operation would continue until June 30.
“To date, the ministry has received 47 complaints since June 1 on anti-profiteering and zero-rated GST. KPDNKK, together with Royal Malaysian Customs Department, will follow up with reports and conduct joint operations from now until we are satisfied with the compliance.”
Tan said of the 47 complaints received, 12 complaints had been solved, five were channelled to the customs department for further action, and the remaining 30 were still under investigation.
In addition, 29 dealers had been given stern warnings to toe the line or be slapped with action under the Price Control and Anti-profiteering Act 2011. — DayakDaily
