Govt needs two weeks to figure out how to implement SST

Daim Zainuddin said the value of the ringgit would impact the price of goods, the bulk of which are imported, even if GST had been removed.

(FMT) – The report on the sales and services tax (SST) implementation method will be submitted to the government within two weeks, said chairman of the Council of Elders Daim Zainuddin.

The SST system to be introduced will “somewhat be an updated version” with the ultimate goal of lowering the price of goods and services for the people.

“There will be no immediate need to introduce any new taxes, nor increase the personal income tax or corporate tax rates at this juncture.”

Daim said economics was a very complex subject and could not be looked at from a single perspective.

Giving an overview of the “would be” upgraded SST system over TV3’s “Buletin Utama” aired tonight, the former finance minister said the tax would be capable of raking in sufficient revenue to make up for the loss of proceeds from the abolition of the goods and services tax (GST).

“The Royal Malaysian Customs Department has already given me a preliminary report.

“Revenue may be less than RM5 billion but oil prices are increasing steadily.

“The 2018 Budget was worked out on the premise that oil prices would hover around US$52 per barrel but now it is fetching about US$70 per barrel.

“Last week, it was US$80 per barrel. For every US$1 movement, we will earn RM300 million to cover our shortfall,” explained the 80-year-old, who was once the economic adviser to the government in the 1990s.

Commenting on doubts raised as to whether goods and services would be cheaper after the re-introduction of the SST, the tycoon said the value of the ringgit would impact the price of goods, the bulk of which are imported.

This situation can be overcome with the people placing more trust in the government, he added.

The SST is expected to be introduced from Sept 1.