BUKIT MERTAJAM: Consumers here are worried about the possibility of price hikes with the implementation of the Sales and Services Tax (SST) tomorrow.
Consumers at several hypermarkets said prices would go up, even though SST was only applicable to manufacturers, and certain products and services.
They said the brunt of it would be borne by consumers.
However, Nur Izati Mohd Noor, 24, said she would be able to cope with the anticipated price hikes.
“I am not the kind to shop often. I only shop for essentials and compare prices before buying. Also, I buy essentials which last me a month,” said Nur Izati, who works at a telecommunications company.
“I do my shopping whenever there is a sale. I just have to be thrifty and decide based on what I can afford.”
Another consumer, who declined to be named, said he was prepared to face price hikes, just like in the past.
“The increase is not only due to the implementation of the SST, but also the weakening Ringgit.
“I really hope our economy will pick up pace fast to ensure that we enjoy better quality of life,” said the man who works at a private company, and runs a small business to supplement his income.
Checks by the New Straits Times showed that many consumers were taking advantage of the Merdeka Day holiday to shop. They said they were not resorting to panic buying due to SST.