GST used by certain traders to profiteer: Nurul Izzah

KUALA LUMPUR: The Opposition today said certain traders had used the GST as a means to manipulate the prices of goods and use the opportunity to profiteer.
Parti Keadilan Rakyat vice-president, Nurul Izzah Anwar said the Consumer Price Index had in February shot up by 4.5% to the highest level in the last eight years.
"The rakyat are suffering as a result of the rising costs of living. Surely the government also realises this. Otherwise, why would they introduce so many incentives and aid schemes?
"In fact, the Opposition are not the only ones who have been highlighting the effect GST has on the lives of the rakyat. Umno delegates themselves have voiced their concerns at their party annual general assemblies," she said in a statement.
She said the Barisan Nasional government and the Customs Department had in 2014 promised to better monitor the prices of goods and ensure there was no profiteering, but the problem still persists.
"A recent report by the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) revealed there was still poverty and deprivation among children in working-class neighbourhoods in the Klang Valley.
"What else proof does the government need to open their eyes to the plight of the rakyat?," she asked.
Nurul, who is also the MP for Lembah Pantai, said she challenged the BN to announce a reduction in GST during their manifesto launch on April 7.
She added that it was Pakatan Harapan's will that GST be abolished if they win the upcoming general election.