bakedbean

With hindsight, I regret setting up a Tesco home delivery for today (first day of GST) 'cause it ain't turned up so far.

bakedbean

It did turn up (eventually).

I foolishly assumed that food produce would be exempt from GST, however, looking at my itemized list, which is mainly foodstuffs, only 3 items have zero GST. All the rest at 6 percent

And I cannot see any pattern. 2 of the 3 zero rated items were: Jar of Nescafe Gold Blend, and, Watties frozen peas. Why they are zero rated and not the other items beats me.

kingoflostfools

As mentioned elsewhere, canny retailers are gouging customers by increasing prices as well, with everyone presuming that the costs are GST related, when in truth only part of it is.

Couldn't find any milk - other than Chocolate milk in Sunshine food hall today!!???!!

Wish this chaos would end.

bakedbean

Got my car washed today and they announced that it was increased from 10 ringgits to 12 ringgits. I enquired: GST ? and got a fit of giggles from the Malay lads

abdulawwal

Very confusing. I was under impression (from what the gov't explained previously) that mobile top-ups would be exempt. However, I was charged RM10.60 for a RM10 top-up!

Today, gov't said in negotiations with telcos! And that the RM0.60 extra charged will add RM1 to top-up value! Seems like everyone is clueless!!!

We shop at Mydin Supermarket, and good thing is they've absorbed costs into prices of goods. So no increase noticed in shopping.

Gunnar45

The CIMB ATM overseas withdrawal fee of RM10 is subject to GST.
So I had to pay a total of RM 10.60.

kingoflostfools

That must be a mistake surely?

Gunnar45

Why should it a mistake?
It is a service charge from the bank and aren't such charges subject to GST?

02-Apr-2015,
14:16:36 ATM WITHDRAWAL OVERSEAS FEE 10.00
02-Apr-2015,
14:16:36 GST 0.60

Britmal

2nd April: Paid SMS notifications to my mobile 'phone suspended because the service provider does not know if GST applies.
2nd April: GST not applied on tobacco purchase.
4th April: GST is applied to same tobacco purchase at the same outlet.
2nd April: Cost of a Tiger beer six pack at Giant supermart increased from Rm33.00 to Rm 49.00.
4th April: Cost of the same six pack reverts to Rm 33.00 at the same Giant outlet.

It's a mess...

abdulawwal

Wonder if VAT caused as much chaos in the UK when it was frst introduced... Any members from that long ago?!

kingoflostfools

Not so much with VAT as most things that people bought in their weekly shopping were excluded from VAT or zero rated (at least in the UK), gradually over time VAT has been extended to include other stuff like gas and such.

Certainly when decimalisation kicked in during February 1971 retailers used the opportunity to raise prices. Indeed you can see it in the CPI figures, there is a spike for 1971.

1972 7.10%
1971 9.40%
1970 6.40%
1969 5.40%

bakedbean

Some are taking the opportunity, as KolF said, to nudge up the prices AND add GST. We noticed that Straits Mini Market did this with Mr bakedbean's beer. He was not amused

kingoflostfools

Strangely enough, I too noticed this with my slab of beer (Carlsberg 24 pack went from 98 RM to 150 RM ). I only found out at the till as they weren't priced up correctly. Nearly threw the bloody things back, but ....ah well... it's beer isn't it?



I've been a lot warier since - noticed that lots of the shelves are emptied as well - allegedly clearing out the pre-GST stock, but I can't believe that is true, surely?

InVinoVeritas

I think the introduction GST has become an excuse for cock-ups plus attempts to put up prices.

Stuurman

I think so too, all added up inflation will be in the double digits this year.