Why do we have to pay GST twice? – Tan Hock Ang

On January 4, I had an encounter with the real cause of rising cost of living because of the goods and services tax (GST).

This is the breakdown of a workshop bill:

items                                     RM

1. Valve cover                      350

2. Valve cover gasket           76

3. spark plug                        74

4. service fee                       80

                                          ______     

sub-total                              580    

GST 6%                             34.80

---------------------------------------------

Total due                          614.80

However, No. 1-3 already include GST, so when all the items are added, I ended up paying more than 6% of GST.

By right, I should only be charged 6% GST on the RM80 service fee, amounting to  RM4.20.

So, according to the law, I need only pay RM4.20, not RM34.80. 

I was overcharged RM30.60 under this unfair accounting method.

For the workshop owner, he can claim a refund for the GST from the spare parts. But for laymen like us, we are made to pay twice. 

Will the relevant department clarify over this unjust and unfair double GST billing?.

* Tan Hock Ang reads The Malaysian Insider.