MALACCA, Dec 14 — The Royal Malaysian Customs Department has collected over RM30 billion as Goods and Services Tax (GST) since the tax system was implemented on April 1 this year.

Its Deputy Director-General (Enforcement and Compliance Division), Datuk Matrang Suhaili, said the amount was collected from over 400,000 companies registered under the GST.

“The figure collected exceeded our target and we expect the amount to increase next year.

“As for now, we have not set any target amount,” he told reporters after closing a Customs officers’ course at the Royal Malaysian Customs Academy in Bukit Baru here today.

Matrang said the department has assigned over 1,000 officers under the GST Department.

“The staff that we have now in the department are to meet current needs and to replace those who have pensioned and retired.

“They are placed to fill the void accordingly in branches nationwide,” he said. — Bernama