KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 30 — The Malaysian Information Department won the gold award today for its informational campaign on the Goods and Services Tax (GST), at the inaugural Asean PR Excellence Awards.
The federal agency also took home the silver award in the media relations category for its social media reporting on the “MH370 transcript”, at the awards organised by the Institute of Public Relations Malaysia.
The event was officiated by Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak, while the department’s communication services and community development director, Zuraidah Zainuddin, accepted both awards.
“We put in a lot of effort. We work together with all divisions in the department,” Zuraida said when met after the awards.
“We tell the advantages and the benefits of GST. The campaign was a success.”
PPP party president Tan Sri M. Kayveas presented the awards during the ceremony at Istana Hotel tonight.
The department edged out both the Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) and Indah Water Consortium to take home both prizes.
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) was introduced on April 1 and its implementation was marked with widespread confusion among businesses and consumers.
Among high profile incidents exemplifying the uncertainty over the effects of the GST was the controversy over the value of top-up payments for prepaid mobile services, which remains unresolved months later.
It also caused confusion over its effects on the service charge that many businesses already levy on consumers, and was exacerbated by the extensive list of items that were exempted from the consumption tax or zero rated.
