Ahmad Maslan: Impose 20% service charge on casinos, nightclubs

If they end up closing, then so be it, he says in Dewan Rakyat.

DEWAN RAKYAT

Former deputy finance minister Ahmad Maslan says Malaysians will be paying 16% in taxes for Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pizza Hut, McDonald’s once the SST is implemented next month.

KUALA LUMPUR: Former deputy finance minister Ahmad Maslan wants the new government to impose a 20% service tax on casinos and gambling centres.

“If they end up closing, then let them close down. Nightclubs should be charged up to 30%.”

The Pontian MP also reminded Malaysians that they would be paying 16% in taxes once the sales and service tax (SST) is implemented next month, citing Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pizza Hut, McDonald’s as examples.

“It means the people would be paying 16% taxes in total (10% sales tax and 6% service tax),” he said while debating on the Sales Tax Bill 2018 at the Dewan Rakyat today.

He said every imported item in car service centres will be imposed a 10% tax and 6% service charge, adding that hotels too might charge up to 15% service tax.

“I feel the domestic trade and consumer affairs ministry should check the service tax charges. This is because some of the hotel staff say the service tax is taken by their employers.

“If hotels want to be competitive, they could charge 5% or do what KFC has done — not to charge service tax at all.” -FMT