NONEDeputy Finance Minister Ahmad Maslan (right) hinted today that the much talked-about goods and services tax many not be implemented under Budget 2014 to be tabled in Parliament next Friday.

He said the government has agreed in principle to implement the tax but it has not decided when to enforce the tax and its percentage in the initial stage.

“When to implement it, what percentage, we don’t know yet, though we’ve stated in official statements (to implement the tax),” he told reporters after a pre-launch to collect funds to build the Integrasi Islam Malaysia madrasah.

He said the GST was a fairer and an effective tax system as compared with the double tax system - sales and service tax - being enforced currently.

“We want to merge them (sales and service tax) with the GST so that taz collection will be more efficient and systematic,” he said.

The deputy minister said the GST, which has been implemented in 160 countries, will charge a lower rate from the 16 percent now, sales tax 10 percent and sixper cent service tax.

Meanwhile, the Madrasah Integrasi Islam Malaysia, which will be built by  Yayasan Amal Maaruf, will serve as a one-stop centre, comprising a tahfiz learning centre, an old folks' home and a dialysis centre as well as other modern facilities.

Estimated to cost RM15 million each, Madrasah Integrasi Islam Malaysia will be built in 13 states nationwide, with overall costs totalling RM260 million.

- Bernama