Penang executive councillor on housing Jagdeep Singh Deo has expressed disappointment that non-Muslim places of worship are subjected to the goods and services tax (GST).

He said that under the portfolio of the chief minister, and his own, there are funds amounting to some RM33.8 million expended for places of worship of non-Muslims, and the GST imposed on the assistance, amounts to some RM2 million. 

"If this tax is waived, there would be a saving of some RM2 million, which could be used to facilitate and assist more places of worship (non-Muslim). 

"Clearly, it is very disappointing to note that efforts to assist the lower income group in accessing housing, in maintaining their housing, and assisting places of worship, are being subjected to this tax," said Jagdeep, who is also in charge of town and country planning in Penang, further urging the federal government to waive GST for such purposes. 

Jagdeep insisted that when Pakatan Harapan takes over the federal government, GST will be abolished.

According to Jagdeep, at least 11 out 18 ongoing low and low-medium cost projects in the state will be subjected to the GST, amounting to a "phenomenal sum" of RM163 million.

Further calling for the taxes to be waived, Jagdeep said the money can instead be used to build more low cost and low medium cost, as well as affordable housing projects for the lower income group.