Higher SST to affect cost of weddings

MUKAH: The implementation of the sales and service tax (SST) which has increased to eight per cent will certainly affect the cost of weddings.

As we know, wedding costs involve many things including catering, wedding planners and so on.

Mohamad Nurfitri

For bridegroom-to-be,  Mohamad Nurfitri Jaidil, 27, he and his girlfriend have carefully planned their finances as well from the mental aspect.

“We also understand that the present situation of the economy is challenging, therefore it’s important to gauge your own material needs in accordance with your financial capabilities..

“Alhamdulillah, the increase in SST to eight per cent can be overcome as best as possible because economic planning has been done within a year before the wedding ceremony which will take place this June,” he told Suara Sarawak.

Commenting further, he mentioned that in order to be ready for the ceremony later, he and his girlfriend had already started saving money.

“In addition, preparation can also be done smoothly by making a schedule of the money spent.

“In addition, the necessary items that will be used and provided also need to be listed to ensure that the wedding cost planning is not interrupted,” he said.

Touching on the catering service, Nurfitri revealed that they still practice gotong-royong or “rewang” activities that involve villagers helping out at the event.

Catering services provided by Rabuyah for weddings and other occasions.

“The cost of food is not too big because the villagers will prepare the meal together at the ceremony later.

“As the host, we only provide raw materials for them and Alhamdulillah, the expenses for that matter have already been planned,” she added.

She added that the economy nowadays is indeed challenging but other things also need to be taken into account instead of focusing only on the economy.

“Insya-Allah with the savings and the amount of costs agreed by both parties, the wedding ceremony can be carried out smoothly and it will not be too burdensome.

“Financial planning is very important so that with an increase in taxes such as SST this can be overcome as best as possible,” she added.

Rabuyah

Meanwhile, for catering service provider Rabuyah Abdullah, 50, following the increase in SST to eight per cent, catering prices also need to be raised.

“This is, of course, due to the increase in the price of goods such as meat, chicken and other wet ingredients.

“But, if we don’t raise the price, we will make interesting promotions on social media. However, it depends on the customer’s menu request. Sometimes some ask for heavy and light menus and it depends on the situation,” she said.

She said the response to catering last year was very encouraging and she expected more people to use her services to provide catering at weddings.

“Alhamdulillah, every month there are always people who use our catering services and this year, we expect more customers.

“Besides weddings, we also provide catering for thanksgiving prayers and other occasions,” she added.

Nur Azatul

For wedding planner Nur Azatul Hanim Jeffereen, 24, they will raise the price of their service according to the increase in SST.

“This is because we need to keep up with the current economic situation to ensure there is no loss.

“However, if we do not increase the price, we will make various package promotions such as changing the delivery tray, rental of “pelamin” decorations and wedding car decorations at a reasonable price,” she explained.

She added that this increase in SST does not affect businesses because they have charged SST for each package provided.