Malaysian Customs decides against GST on 60 foods

Malaysia’s Customs department has rejected an order to impose GST on more than 60 food items.

The agency’s director-general, Subromaniam Tholasy, said in a statement that the decision had been made in consultation with the finance ministry. 

It had earlier been reported that the 60 items, including various types of seafood, vegetables, fruits, tea, coffee and spices, would be subject to the standard 6% rate of GST from July. 

In clarification, Subromaniam said: ”The media was referring to Goods and Services Tax (Zero Rated Supplies) (Amendment) Order 2017, which was gazetted on June 6 and will take effect on July 1

"The Customs Department has referred this matter to the finance ministry for feedback and made the decision that this order should be cancelled," he added.