Brickfields business owners voice concern over GST

KUALA LUMPUR: Business owners in Brickfields are concern with the forthcoming implementation of the GST as they feel it will affect their businesses, in terms of consumer turnout.
Voicing his frustration was spices and sundry store owner, Ravi Ayychamy, 48, who wished the GST would be differed at least until the economy improves and stabilises.
"It's difficult and definitely going to affect the people especially now that the nation's economy is unstable and it is affecting the currency value too. My customers are mostly middle class people, so I can understand how they will feel when the GST is implemented."
When asked if the number of customers may drop drastically, Ravi said it is possible but it may not be drastic "because people can't avoid it and would have to adapt to the implementation, although half-heartedly".
Another proprietor, Abdul Samad who has a textile and jewellery shop, echoed the sentiments of his customers who have already started complaining about the GST to him.
"People are afraid that prices are going to double and they might not be able to shop as much they could previously and this is scaring us," he said.
"We owners have no choice but to implement because the suppliers are also charging us extra. Here I am the owner, but in the next shop I am the customer, so I too can feel the pinch," said Abdul who suggested the government defer the implementation or give the necessary education on the GST instead of carrying it out in a half-baked manner.
Both owners have put up notices in their respective shops informing the public about the GST implementation effective April 1.
Restaurant owner R. Thilagasbaran, 37, is not going to implement the GST and prefers to absorb the extra cost because he doesn't want to lose his customers.
"We are not ready to tax the people and although my suppliers have already increased their prices, I don't want to lose my customers as their happiness comes first for me.
"A proper education or table talk with the all the relevant parties should be carried out so everyone understands the mechanism. Now, it's like the blind leading the blind," he added.