Many goods cheaper since GST implemented – Jainab

KOTA KINABALU: Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Jainab Ahmad Ayid has urged Giant hypermarket to consider pioneering a Goods and Services Tax (GST) exempted and Price Controlled Goods section in Sabah.

Jainab said she had put forth the proposed supermarket concept based on feedback received personally for the past two years in order to raise the people’s awareness on the positive impact of GST implementation in Malaysia.

She said the prices of many goods had gone down since the implementation of GST in the country.

“We want to show to the people, that GST is not the reason behind the increase in price of goods,” said Jainab.

“We all know, there are items that are GST exempted, like fish, vegetables but many people do not know that.

“I would like to appeal to Giant as a start, especially, during this Ramadan month but also continue on afterwards, to separate the GST exempted items (from other goods in the supermarket),” she pleaded.

Jainab said the idea had not yet materialized because many businesses had said that the implementation of such a concept was too difficult.

However, she said, showing the before and after GST price tags would help raise awareness of the people.

Nevertheless, the people should also take note that the prices of various goods are also tied to other factors like the exchange rates and such.

Jainab said the concept should not only be adopted in shops, supermarkets, Borneo Marts in the city but also in villages and rural areas.

The minister also proposed for Giant and other related businesses to play a role in selling the RM2.50 per packet of cooking oil in villages, according to the government outlined terms and conditions.

In conjunction with Ramadan, Jainab called upon all sellers to keep a high hygiene and cleanliness level at bazaars throughout Sabah.

She said this was to avoid cases of food poisoning among the people during the holy month.

The minister told media members this at the nationwide Giant 1 Million Reusable Bags launch in conjunction with Ramadan and annual Bubur Lambuk Giveaway at Kolombong Giant here yesterday.

Kota Kinabalu Mayor Datuk Yeo Boon Hai and Giant East Malaysia and Brunei head Marius Knight were also at the ceremony.