The implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) is more fairer to the people compared to income tax, Dewan Negara heard today.

Deputy Minister of Finance Chor Chee Heung said this was because GST was only applicable to those who bought goods and services.

"We are only taxed when we buy goods. When there is no buying, there is no tax," he said when winding up debate on the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's address in parliament.

He said the government would ensure that GST would not be too high (4%) while the Sales and Services Tax (SST) would be abolished adding it was to reduce income tax and increase revenue.

"This is a drastic change where individuals or companies will end up paying less income tax annually when GST is implemented," he added.

    

Chor said the government had conducted studies and was developing the GST computerised system to ensure transparency and effective implementation.

"About 90 percent of countries globally have implemented GST. We are using models from Singapore, Australia and Canada for comparison.

"The government is gathering more feedback from the people to ensure smooth implementation of GST," he added.

No more Indonesian dramas

Meanwhile, Information Communication and Culture Deputy Minister Senator Heng Seai Kie told Dewan Negara that RTM had stopped broadcasting Indonesian programmes.

"TV2 broadcast eight local telemovies weekly or 5.4 percent comprising one Tamil, one Chinese, one Hindi, three English and three Bahasa Malaysia with 12.8 percent of airtime."

Heng was rebutting claims that there were less Tamil and Chinese programmes

on RTM compared to those from Indonesia.

"Tamil and Chinese programmes on RTM comprise 28 percent, talk shows on TV1, 20

percent weekly while talk shows on TV1 and TV2 comprise 3.6 percent of airtime.

She added English, Tamil and Mandarin news on TV2 comprised 10 percent of total airtime.

Energy, Green Technology and Water Deputy Minister Noriah Kasnon told Dewan Negara from 1997 to 2009, action was taken against 14,259 companies for failure to settle debts amounting RM63 million.

Dewan Negara sitting resumes on Monday.

- Bernama