GST is proposed to replace the current consumption tax i.e. the sales tax and service tax (SST). The introduction of GST is part of the Government's tax reform programmed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the existing taxation system.

GST is proven to be a better tax system as it is more effective, efficient, transparent and business friendly and could spur economic growth as well as increase competitiveness in the global market.

GST is capable of generating a more stable source of revenue to the nation because it is less susceptible to economic fluctuations.

It is important to replace the existing SST in order to eliminate its inherent weaknesses such as cascading and compounding effects, transfer pricing and value shifting, no complete relief on goods exported, discourage vertical integration, administrative bureaucratic red tape, classification issues and etc.

Various benefits that GST can offer to Malaysian consumers and businesses are:

• Improved Standard of Living

  The revenue from GST could be used for development purposes for social infrastructure like health facilities and institutions, educational infrastructures and public facilities to further improve the standard of living.

• Lower Cost of Doing Business

  Under the current system, some businesses pay multiple taxes and higher levels of tax-on-tax (cascading tax). With GST, businesses can benefit from recovering input tax, thus reducing cost of doing business.

• Nation-Building

  GST is a better and more efficient method of revenue collection for the government. More funds can be channeled into nation-building projects for progress towards achieving a high income nation.

• Fairness and Equality

  With the GST, taxes are levied fairly among all the businesses involved, whether they are in the manufacturing, wholesaling, retailing or service sectors.

• Enhanced Delivery System

  GST will be administrated in a fully computerized environment, therefore speeding up the delivery, especially for refund claims. This makes it faster, more efficient and reliable.

• Increase Global Competitiveness

  Prices of Malaysian exports will become more competitive on the global stage as no GST is imposed on exported goods and services, while GST incurred on inputs can be recovered along the supplies chain. This will strengthen our export industry, helping the country progress even further.

• Enhanced Compliance

  The current SST has many inherent weaknesses making administration difficult. GST system has in-built mechanism to make the tax administration self-policing and therefore will enhance compliance.

• Reduces Red Tape

  Under the present SST, businesses must apply for approval to get tax-free materials and also for special exemption for capital goods. Under GST, this system is abolished as businesses can offset the GST on inputs in their returns.

• Fair Pricing to Consumers

  GST eliminates double taxation under SST. Consumers will pay fairer prices for most goods and services compared to SST.

• Greater Transparency

  Unlike the present sales tax, consumers would benefit under GST as they will know exactly whether the goods they consume are subject to tax and the amount they pay for.