It is an undeniable truth. The recent implementation of the Goods and Services (GST) has in some way or another impacted our expenditure.
Since its implementation on April 1, many was faced with the ardent task of rearranging their expenses due to the changes in the prices of goods.
Astro AWANI took to the street to get the opinions of consumers out there of the impact GST has on their life.
Many felt disappointed towards the seemingly increasing price of goods since the implementation of GST.
Student, Wan Sabrina, 20, said the increase in price for prepaid reloads is frustrating and has made it difficult for her to purchase.
“I feel so frustrated because there is one day that I get charged RM2.70 to top-up my prepaid which costs RM45. I don’t think this is necessary. With RM2.70, I can buy something better like food,” said Sabrina.
READ : Government told to keep its promise on no GST on prepaid reloads - Gerakan Youth
Echoing the same sentiment was another student, Aishah Aznam, 20, who also added that the increase in the price of food in certain stalls and restaurants is making it increasingly difficult for her to manage her daily budget.
“If we buy food at certain restaurants, even the kuih (local dessert) is getting expensive. As a student, we might have to reduce our expenditure eating outside.
“Some of us have taken part-time jobs to support our other expenses such for petrol," Aishah explained.
READ: Fuel prices remain unchanged for April
Businesswoman, Prema Mathibalan meanwhile, said her daily expenses has also been effected.
“If we just spent with a little amount of money, maybe we can’t feel the difference. However if we purchase goods in bulks such as provisions for the house, then we have to pay a big sum of money. It is only then you feel the pinch of GST.”
READ: Address complaints on GST without delay - Muhyiddin
Despite the given time since its announcement during the tabling of Budget 2014 by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, many members of the public feel that more awareness is needed in order for a better understanding of the new tax system.
“We want to know the positive effects of GST. We don’t mind spending but we want to know its impact.
“We hope that the GST implementation can give a good impact. For example if we can help the rural side by this GST. There is no problem about not, I believe,” said a private sector worker, Nordiana Muaidi, 36.
INFOGRAPHIC: GST-exempted goods
In a report last year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said that the implementation of GST is i to enable more development to be carried out and not intended to burden the people.
He added that the revenue obtained from GST could be spent for rural development, improve the quality of the country's education, build houses, increase the skills of the Malays and other development plans.
READ ALSO: GST, subsidy rationalisation for more development - Najib
Mariah Ahmad
Sat Apr 11 2015
Since it was implemented on April 1, we cannot deny the fact that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) give impact towards our expenses. - File pic
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