The implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on April 1 were received with mixed responses by consumers who largely felt they have been short-changed.
Astro AWANI took to Twitter to query Netizens how they have coped with the implementation of the GST.
Through the #10HariGST hashtag, many have shared their gripes citing that the newly-hiked prices are an undesirable move by the government.
University students are one significant segment of the society that claimed that the GST has inadvertently taking a toll on their lifestyles.
The prices of prepaid top-ups have increased and they end up taking out more from their pockets. That the price of stationery have been charged 20 to 30 per cent higher by traders have become their primary concern too.
The hike in food prices by food operators at their universities are an 'ill-favoured' move, said some university students.
Netizens expressed their concerns over the rise of everyday goods. - AFP photo
Some also complained over the rise of daily items.
A Netizen known as Zejjah Ziegler said that most of the items are expensive.
“Even for retailers who don't charge GST, they still have to increase their prices because their capital have increased,” she tweeted.
Many have also expressed their confusions as they are still uncertain which products are charged with GST and GST-exempted.
A user known as @AbdRahimQlate said the GST is a burden to the low-income groups of the society:
Many are still confused over the GST system as they are unsure which items are GST-exempted. - AFP photo
On the contrary, some applaud the implementation of GST as it makes them more budget-concious.
“I look at every receipts nowadays which is a good thing as consumers need to know what they are paying for,” said a Haaziq Zahar.
Some even said that the GST is just another tax system merely introduced to replace the Sales and Service Tax (SST):
Some Netizens even sang a different tune, as they take the issue lightly with some hilarious tweets:
On Thursday, the Customs Department has opened investigation papers on traders not complying with the Goods and Services Tax (GST), said its director-general Datuk Seri Khazali Ahmad.
He said the papers were opened since the GST came into force to seek the number of cases that could be brought to court.
"After two weeks, that is on April 15, we will know better the status on compliance to GST," he said.
