KUCHING: Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen is using SST to cover the inefficiency of the federal government in addressing the issue of pricey goods, said Tan Kai (pic), a political secretary to the Chief Minister.
Tan said after SST was implemented, the findings of a survey showed that there were many factors that caused the increase or decrease in prices of essentials, not SST per se.
He said Chong should not lump the prices of goods, be it a decrease or increase, under SST because prices could be affected by the world economy, performance of currency, individual economic performance of respective countries and market demand.
In a statement issued by Chong, who is also Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs deputy minister, he claimed that over 70 percent of the prices of goods have dropped following the implementation of SST.
Tan, however, argued: “We are aware that the difference between SST and GST is just four percent,so how could the price of imported vegetables be reduced in the range of 50 to 70 percent after the implementation?”
Tan added that there could be other reasons that caused the drastic price drop of vegetables.
“It could be due to excessive production from China and India. For Chong to link the drastic drop of vegetable prices to SST has made him a laughing stock.”
He also urged Chong to survey the prices of seafood which have been increasing all the while.
“The people are smart, do not underestimate them,” said Tan.
