Customs Dept clarifies 6 pct SST for non-alcoholic beverages in food and beverage outlets

3 months ago 34

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By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Aug 3: The Royal Malaysian Customs Department has clarified that the sales and services tax rate for non-alcoholic beverages in food and beverage (F&B) outlets, including catering operators, is 6 per cent.

Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Public Complaints Bureau (PCB) chief Milton Foo explained that this follows the latest Food and Beverage Guideline for Services Tax 2018 published on April 19, 2024.

“As such, the guideline released on April 16, 2024, which I presented at a press conference yesterday (Aug 2) was obsolete and has been replaced.

“It states that the non-alcoholic beverages specified in Item 6 of the list are subject to an SST of 6 per cent instead of 8 per cent. Only beverages with alcohol will be subject to an SST of 8 per cent (Item 5) by the government,” he said in a statement today.

Foo thanked the Customs Department for clarifying the ambiguity in the SST guideline which has caused unnecessary worries to the restaurants and catering operators, now making them feel at ease.

“This also enhances the public awareness on their rights as consumers regarding how the SST rate on food and beverages, including alcoholic drinks, is imposed by the government,” he added.

Foo hopes the authorities and Malaysian government will be more cautious in issuing any tax policies, rules or guidelines in the future, especially on issues that are pertinent to the vital interests of the people. — DayakDaily