GST General

Goods and Services Tax or GST is a consumption tax based on value-added concept. Unlike the present sales tax or service tax which is a single stage tax, GST is a multi-stage tax. Payment of tax is made in stages by intermediaries in the production and distribution process. The tax itself is not a cost to the intermediaries since they are able to claim back GST incurred on their business inputs. GST is imposed on goods and services at every production and distribution stage in the supply chain including importation of goods and services.

No, it is a tax to replace the current Sales Tax and Service Tax (SST).

The first hurdle is that tax is not a popular subject matter and generally nobody likes to be taxed or rather the word "tax" is taboo to many. However, governments all over the world need to impose tax in order to get the revenue to provide their citizens with their social needs (infrastructure, health and education services), industrial growth which results in employment opportunities, security, etc. People find it difficult to accept the GST due to lack of knowledge on GST and how it benefits them. The second hurdle is the level of knowledge on GST. It is not easy to educate consumers on GST as the moment you mentioned that GST is a form of tax you will first be faced with a wall of resistance. Thus, GST and its benefits have to be explained to them continuously in order to avoid or eliminate whatever misconception or the wrong representation provided to them regarding GST.  Towards this end, the Government has emphasised that the rakyat have to understand GST before it is actually implemented. Currently, people are also not aware that the GST will replace the current sales tax and service tax. In fact, many people are not even aware that they are paying sales tax and service tax on a lot of goods and services because of its single stage nature.

Diagram 2: Cascading effect (service tax)

Why now? Today there is a wealth of experience to tap into. In other words, the chance of success in implementing GST is high as there is much experience for Malaysia to draw upon them around the world in designing the system. Over the years, GST/VAT has been adopted as a main form of taxation. Currently, more than 160 countries have implemented GST/VAT. 

GST is a better tax system. It is more transparent, efficient, effective, self policing and less bureaucratic. GST would eliminate double taxation under the current SST. Consumer will pay fair prices for most goods and services compared to SST.

For businesses, they are able to reduce their cost of doing business since they are able to claim GST incurred on their business inputs. For example, under the current taxation system, manufacturers are not allowed to claim service tax on telecommunication, accounting and legal services and sales tax on indirect inputs such as office equipment and furniture. These taxes are embedded into the price of the goods sold. Hence, the cost of doing business increases. Under the GST system, any GST incurred on acquisition is claimable and is not a cost to businesses.

As such, Malaysian exports will become more competitive in the global market as no GST is imposed on exported goods and services. This will strengthen our export sector which would contribute to the economic growth of the country.

Not all goods and services will be subjected to GST. Certain basic food and amenities such as rice, poultry, fish, meat, vegetable, sugar, flour and cooking oil are free from tax. Meanwhile, the sales and rental of residential and agricultural properties and services like private health and education as well as public transportation are exempted from GST. 

No. To make our exports more competitive, GST on exports will be zero-rated and the exporter can recover all the input tax incurred in the course of his business. 

GST is a tax charged on the supply (including sales) of goods and services made in Malaysia and on the importation of goods and services into Malaysia. Even though GST is charged on the sales price of the goods or services, the amount to be remitted to the Government is only on the value added to the goods or services at each level of the distribution/supply chain. The value added is the value that a producer (whether a manufacturer or distributor, etc) adds to its raw material or purchases before selling the new or improved product or service. To enable this, GST adopts a credit offset mechanism whereby GST charged on the output of the business (for example, sale of product manufactured or services supplied) is offset against the GST paid on the goods or services acquired as inputs (for example, raw materials or utilities to be used in manufacturing) by the business. GST charged on output is called output tax. Whereas, GST incurred on acquisition is called input tax. This offsetting mechanism is to ensure GST paid by businesses are recoverable and thus help to reduce the costs of doing business.

Diagram 1: Input and output tax

There are three types of supplies listed under GST which are:

• Standard rated supplies are taxable supplies of goods and services which are subject to a positive rate
• Zero rated supplies are taxable supplies which are subject to a zero rate that is not liable to GST at the output or input stage
• Exempt supplies are non taxable supplies which are not subject to GST at the output stage that is, when supplied to the consumer. However, the GST paid on input by the businesses cannot be claimed as tax credit

Below is an illustration showing how GST works:

Diagram 2: Standard rated supply

Diagram 3: Zero-rated supply

Diagram 4: Exempt supply

The following are the GST rate among the ASEAN countries:

In the early 1990’s there was an equal contribution to revenue between direct and indirect tax for example in 1990 the contribution from direct tax is 35.2% and indirect tax is 36.7%. However, with trade liberalisation policies in the 1990’s this proportion has changed substantially and in 2012 contribution from direct tax was 56.4% and indirect tax 17.2%. Studies by economic experts have shown that over reliance on a particular tax will have an adverse effect on the nation’s financial position. Currently, Malaysia relies heavily on direct tax and petroleum revenue and now it is an appropriate time for the Government to undertake an overall tax reform to correct the imbalances. One of the measures is to introduce GST which is a more efficient system compared to the current tax system.
 
In 2005 budget, the Government had announced the introduction of GST. However, it was deferred to a later date. In December 2009, the GST Bill was tabled for the First Reading in the Dewan Rakyat and in 2010, the implementation of GST was postponed due to:

1. Enable the Government to engage inclusively with all segments of the rakyat
2. Take into account the interest and welfare of the society to ensure the implementation of GST is well received

Notwithstanding the postponement, the Government recognises the importance of GST in ensuring a strong and sustainable fiscal position to support the long term economic growth.
Today there is a wealth of experience to tap into. In other words, the chance of success in implementing GST is high as there is much experience for Malaysia to draw upon them around the world in designing the system. Over the years, GST/VAT has been adopted as a main form of taxation. Currently, more than 160 countries have implemented GST/VAT.

Economists in Malaysia agree that now is the appropriate time for the Government to implement GST. There are also quarters who feel that GST should be implemented once Malaysia achieves the developed nation status.  From the point of the tax system, the main concern is to overcome the inherent weaknesses in the current sales tax and service tax system.  Currently, there are more than 160 countries implementing GST. The implementation of GST will contribute towards Malaysia achieving a high income status.

At present, imported goods are subject to import duty and sales tax unless exempted. Under GST, imported goods will still be subject to import duty but sales tax will be replaced with GST.  As to whether the imported goods will be cheaper or more expensive will depend on a number of factors besides the GST rate. 

The Government has given businesses ample time to be ready for GST. Education, training, awareness programs and advisory visits regarding GST implementation have and will be conducted on an on going basis. Businesses will be allowed to register early before GST enforcement date. Prior to GST implementation, the Government will carry out pilot runs on the systems. The Government has set up a Customs Call Centre (CCC) to enable the public to make inquiries on GST and the existance of the GST Portal will disseminate information on GST to ensure high compliance when GST is implemented.

Yes, the Government has prepared itself fully to implement GST. The GST legislation, infrastructure, computer system, personnel, and all process and procedures are in place to implement GST.

Currently the Ministry of Finance is conducting a series of awareness program on GST to the public and businesses. The aim of this awareness program is to help the public and business to have a better understanding on the proposed GST model in Malaysia, the mechanism and steps taken by the Government to overcome issues raised concerning GST.

The people need to know that GST is charged and collected on all taxable goods and services produced in the country including imports. Only businesses registered under GST can charge and collect GST. GST collected on output must be remitted to the Government. However, businesses are allowed to claim the input tax credit.

As far as the rakyat is concerned they only need to pay GST if they consume those goods or services. If not, they are not affected by GST.

The price displayed will be inclusive of GST.

There will be a positive impact on the economy due to the following:

• Reduction in business costs:
• Special schemes to alleviate cash flow problems
• Credit offset mechanism
• Can claim the input tax due based on the invoice produced
• Lead to more competitive pricing
• Makes our export more competitive as exports are to be zero-rated
• Increase in Gross Domestic Product
• Reduce shadow economy activities
• It is a tool to manage the economy eg tourist refund scheme is proposed as a means to boost the tourism industry and tourism spending in the country, exports are zero-rated to make our goods more competitive globally.

There might not be a reduction in consumption due to:

• Prices of certain goods and services might be lower
• Change in consumption pattern. GST works on the affordability concept. Consumers have to decide on which goods or services to buy and GST is only incurred when the goods or services are consumed. They may divert more of their expenses towards essential goods and services rather than on luxury goods
• A lot of basic necessities are not subject to GST
• GST is a replacement tax
• Input tax credit mechanism should reduce business cost.

The Government will ensure that business will be able to have a smooth transition into the GST regime. The Government has had many dialogues and consultations with the business sector to inform and address the issues pertaining to transitional period and will continue to do so.

Further information can be obtained from:

GST Website: www.gst.customs.gov.my
Tel: 03- 8882 2417/ 2424 / 2857 / 2827
Fax: 03- 8882 2132
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