Eateries and hotels must show GST-included rates under new rule
PUTRAJAYA: Under the proposed single pricing rule to take effect by year end, restaurants and hotels have to display prices that already incorporate the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and other charges.
They will no longer be allowed to advertise or display basic rates and only indicate the additional charges in the bill.
Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said this ruling would promote transparency in the display and advertising of prices or charges, and help customers make a decision when they are comparing prices.
While some businesses already practise this, Hamzah said making it a regulation would ensure uniformity and compliance.
“That is why we are amending some Acts, so those who do not follow this will have to face the law,” he said after attending the ministry’s monthly gathering yesterday.
The Bills to amend the Trade Description Act and the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act have been tabled in the Dewan Rakyat and Hamzah said he would explain the proposed regulation during debate time next week.
He said that if a restaurant is selling a plate of chicken rice for RM10, the price in the menu must already include tax and other charges. Likewise, if a hotel room is RM400 a night, the quoted rate must be the “all-in” price that guests will be charged.
“We are doing this, so that consumers know the actual cost they will incur.
“If they are doing price comparisons, they will know the exact amount – instead of choosing something cheap only to end up paying more because the advertised rate did not include other charges,” he added.
Read more at http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2017/07/28/only-allin-prices-to-be-displayed-eateries-and-hotels-must-show-gstincluded-rates-under-new-rule/#eVHlpW04bWFFbLID.99
