The implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) from April next year will bring about positive impact to the number of tourist arrivals and export of goods at border areas, including the Malaysia-Thailand border, especially in Pengkalan Kubor here.

Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan said this was because right now, tourists who purchased goods, including clothing, had to pay the current 10 percent tax, but under the GST, they could claim a refund of six percent at any airport when they leave the country.

"Unlike the baseless claims made by certain quarters, the GST will also benefit the residents at border area," he told Bernama when met at the 1Customs 1Community Programme at SK Bendang Pak Yong here yesterday.

Ahmad said the implementation of GST would also increase the number of tourist arrivals to Malaysia, besides increasing Malaysian export as the price of goods would become more competitive.

Meanwhile, the Umno Information chief said Umno's information machinery had been effective in discharging their duties to explain about the GST to the people by organising political talks, house-to-house visits and religious talks at suraus and madrasah almost every night while campaigning for the Pengkalan Kubor by-election scheduled for Sept 25.

"I'm satisfied and confident that Barisan Nasional (BN) will win the by-election if voters come out to cast their ballots in the morning to avoid possible rain in the afternoon," said Ahmad.

He said if the BN's candidate Mat Razi Mat Ail, who has vast experience in educational and religious aspects, wins the by-election, he would definitely be able to make meaningful contribution to the people in the state constituency, besides giving new ideas and suggestions at State Assembly sittings.

The by-election is a three-cornered contest among Mat Razi, PAS' Wan Rosdi Wan Ibrahim and Independent Izat Bukhary Ismail Bukhary.

It is being held following the death of the three-term assemblyman, BN's Datuk Noor Zahidi Omar, on Aug 20.

Noor Zahidi had retained the seat in the 2013 general election with a majority of 1,736 votes, beating PKR's Saharun Ibrahim and Izat Bukhary.