KUALA LUMPUR, July 19 — Delays in processing Goods and Services Tax (GST) refunds were among problems that caused prices to spike inordinately, Lim Guan Eng said today when pledging to disclose other issues with the system.

While each layer of business is entitled to claim refunds on the tax for input costs, many do not do so due to the complexities involved and the time needed, leading most to simply pass on the burden to the subsequent levels and consumers, he explained.

"The problem with GST was that the refunds and exemptions were not paid on time,” Lim said during a press conference in Parliament today.

Lim then said he will list other "reasons” that hampered the efficiency of the GST at a later time.

He said that when these reasons are disclosed, people will understand why Pakatan Harapan opted not to restore the GST at a lower rate than the previous 6 per cent, and instead decided to revert to the SST.

"When I reveal, you will know why we decided not to use GST,” he said.

He, however, did not provide details about the extent of the GST delays and the amount of money involved in such delays.