‘SOME TRADERS TAKING ADVANTAGE OF TAX’
Consumers claim they have raised prices
CONSUMERS are not happy with the implementation of the Sales and Services Tax (SST), based on a survey by the New Straits Times Press.
They claimed that even though SST was only days old, the rise in prices of some basic items and needs is already a burden.
Based on a list provided by the Customs Department, processed seafood is among the taxable items.
These include dried fish, salted fish, ikan tamban (sardine), shrimps and dried prawns.
Housewife, Riri Nelvia, 31, said such dried foods should not be taxed as they were basic items.
According to her, after the withdrawal of a number of incentives, such as the 1Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M), she had hoped the government would be more considerate to help the people cope with the rising cost of living.
“I do not think it’s proper for dried fish to be taxed. It would make more sense for bigger items, such as electrical goods to be taxed.
“Traders are also taking advantage with the implementation of SST. From my observation, prices of some items had been lowered and increased several times. They cited SST as the reason, but then, not all goods are taxed,” she said here yesterday.
Driver Zaidi Soaid, 46, was surprised by the new prices after the implementation of SST, citing a marked difference in prices of dried mackerel.
“Previously, the price of dried fish ranged from RM13 to RM14 only, but now, it is priced at RM55 per kilo. This was really shocking!
“Consumers are stuck in the middle. I’m not sure whether the price was due to SST, or traders taking advantage of the situation,” he said.
Dealer Mazilah Mat Saad, 44, said she was also affected by the rise in price.
“We had high hopes with the new administration, but now it feels like we are back to square one.
“If we felt burdened by the GST (Goods and Services Tax), we are feeling more pinch with the SST. The price of many more items are being raised by suppliers.
“We hope that the complete list of taxable goods is finalised as soon as possible,” he said.
Yesterday, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said the complete list of SST items had been uploaded on the Customs Department’s website.
He said, however, the list of items would be reviewed from time to time based on feedback from all parties.
A trader in the Chow Kit market, Chong Yong Bock, 60, said wet goods in the market had not been affected by SST.
“The prices here are under control. We have not received any complaints from customers, nor are there any increase in prices by suppliers.
“I hope small items such as basic needs will not be taxed, so that everyone will not feel burdened.”