The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission has announced that prepaid reloads buyers will have to keep paying for GST while the government figures out how to implement the rebate mechanism tabled under Budget 2016.

Many are sure disappointed with the lack of government’s vigour in coming up with a proper plan before presenting the so-called solution to this problem that has long plighted the citizens. It feels a lot like ‘buruk siku’ or like dangling a candy in front of a child just to take it away and promise something else very vague and uncertain.

Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak said “As the implementation of the new mechanism will only commence on 1 January 2016, for the time being, until 31 December 2015, the same mode of GST will be charged to the user.”

Of course, it is understandable that very complex operation is involved when it comes to the prepaid reload system. Many telcos have voiced their concern regarding this matter. However, with this retraction, it’s hard not to feel cynical when the government says it will put in place the rebate system by 1 January 2016.

Meanwhile, consumers will have to continue pay for the GST when they top up, a burden which they should not have to pay for according to MCMC previously, and hope against hope that this new plan of rebate mechanism will not be just another disappointment.

Source: Bernama