GST: Customs to go after stubborn traders

Kota Kinabalu: The Customs Department will continue to trace stubborn business owners who have yet to register for the Goods and Services Tax (GST).Sabah Customs Director Datuk Janathan Kandok said he believed there are still many companies that have yet to register even though the closing date was on Dec 31 last year.

However, he added, so far, the department had yet to take any action against any companies that committed the offence.

"But I would like to remind them to register. Do not procrastinate any longer. You will be compounded RM100 a day for that failure. Today is Jan 26, so the total amount of compound that you will have to fork out is RM2,600 already," he said, adding that in Sabah, about 16,000 companies have registered for GST.

Janathan was speaking after the 33rd World Customs Day 2015 celebration held in Wisma Pertanian, here, Monday.

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He said the department had done its best in educating the public about GST but admitted that there are still many who are in the dark about the new tax system.

The problem, he said, is the public's preference to turn to social media when looking for information due to ease of accessibility.

"Instead of referring to us, they referred to the social media. Many people are getting information on the Internet but not all of these are correct.

"If the public insisted on scouring the Internet for knowledge, there is a big possibility that they would be misled. I would urge the public, if you want accurate information, refer to the Customs Department.

"I believe the public will be supporting GST if only they fully understood it," he said.

In the meantime, he said, he is satisfied by the level of commitment and dedication shown by Customs staff in the State.

"Looking at the performance reports, I am happy to note that our staff in all stations have been impressive in carrying out their duties and responsibilities.

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"I also would like to call upon other enforcement agencies to continue assisting the Customs in curbing illegal activities such as drug trafficking into the State.

"I think it is important for us to cooperate with each other, especially in terms of information sharing," he said.

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