A total of 10,541 companies in Sarawak have registered for the Goods and Services Tax (GST) as at today, Sarawak Royal Customs Department Senior Assistant Director Muhammad Furiman Hattar said.

He said the figure was closer to the target of 12,000 companies set by the department by Dec 31.

"It is mandatory for a business with sales turnover exceeding RM500,000 to register for the GST by Dec 31, failing which it will be penalised " he said at a briefing on the GST for the media here today.