An allocation of RM10,000 each will be given to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to help disseminate information to the public on the soon-to-be implemented goods and services tax (GST).

Deputy Finance Minister Ahmad Maslan said NGOs must apply before April 1 for the allocation which would be disbursed through the Finance Ministry.

“NGOs must apply first to the ministry to conduct such briefing sessions and if necessary, I will attend the sessions as well,” he said after a briefing on the new tax regime for members of the Welfare Association of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers (Bakti).

Ahmad said the allocation was derived from surplus funds allocated by the government, but declined to disclose the amount.

On the GST, he said the government would monitor the types of drugs subjected to the tax regime.

He said so far 2,900 medicines that government and private hospitals must have were exempted from the GST.

“The government has yet to finalise the list of medicines and will review it from time to time,” he said.

Pink Ribbon Wellness Foundation patron Maniseh Adam said the government should zero-rated all medicines to help ease the burden of patients, particularly those who depend on medication for certain diseases such as cancer.

She also urged the government to conduct a thorough study on a proposal to separate consultation from the sale of medicine before it is implemented.

- Bernama