Perkasa Youth has urged Putrajaya to postpone the implementation of the goods and services tax (GST) pending a detailed study on the impact of the tax.

In a press release today, Perkasa Youth information chief Zukhairi Md Osman said a proper study would allow Putrajaya to make the necessary corrections to ensure that the middle and lower income groups are not adversely affected.

" As ordinary people, Perkasa Youth's leadership believe that the GST is very worrying.

"Although GST can help develop the economy, but it shouldn't be done at the expense of burdening the people," said Zukhairi.

He added that all essential goods and services must not be subjected to GST, or be zero-rated.

The type of goods and services he cited for the zero-rated list, among others, are:

  • Fuel
  • Domestic electricity consumption
  • ATM services
  • Car insurance
  • Postal services
  • High-rise management fees
  • Diapers
  • Medical services
Zukhairi added that other charges such as stamp duties and existing service charges must also be under the zero-rated list.

The GST will be implemented on April 1 as a means of helping Putrajaya handle its burgeoning debt.

Critics have claimed that Putrajaya should learn to tighten its belt first and plug leakages before implementing a tax will which affect all levels of society.