GST not supposed to affect Malaysian students

Bernama has reported that tuition and accommodation fees for all 20 local universities (UA) in this country will not be increased arbitrarily soon after the implementation of the goods and services tax (GST) today.

According to Committee Chairman Vice-Chancellor and Rector (JKNC/R) for IPTA, Datuk Prof Dr Kamarudin Hussin, the claim of rising cost in fees is not logical as students are already in the middle of their semester where the tuition and accommodation fees and expenses have been deducted from student loans or scholarships.

He said the government has made it clear that all academic programs accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), and all things that are directly involved with teaching and learning activities will not be subject to GST.

However, there is no doubt some of the tuition and accommodation expenses that fall under university profit generation will increase to cover operating costs.

"Since almost all academic programs offered at the universities are recognized by MQA, then GST will not apply to the fees, as well as other matters directly concerned with the programmes offered.

"For example, the executive studies programmes, especially those offered to postgraduate students have to be increased as the offer for such courses is motivated by profit," he said.