KUALA LUMPUR, April 1 — Many Malaysians have no choice but to tighten their belts and change their lifestyles after the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in April last year.

Tyson Liew, 19, said he had to put his education on hold because his family was financially strapped.

“I just completed my SPM when talks of GST were going on and by the time it came into effect, I knew my family would not be able to afford my education,” he said.

Not wanting to burden his family, Liew, a sales associate, said he decided to work instead to save up for his education.

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“I want to continue my studies but for now, I have to worry about helping out with household expenses,” he said.

Optimistic that the economy would recover, Liew said he hoped the GST collected so far would be put to good use by the government.

Primary school teacher, Nur Akmah Jambol, 38, said GST had put a strain on her financially.

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“I buy the same amount of groceries from the same market, but everything costs more now. It’s ridiculous,” she said.

Nur Akmah, who loves travelling, said she has stopped going on trips overseas.

“My family and I used to go on holidays to Indonesia and Thailand, but now we have to settle for local destinations,” she said.

However, Nur Akmah said her financial situation did not keep her up at night.

“I am not worried because I earn well. I feel sorry for those who are from the low-income group,” she said.

Despite giving up on his love for fine dining, Azuwan Adam, 27, said he was still unable to save money.

“Now I only go to mamak restaurants but my wallet still shrinks every month. I have no idea where my money has gone,” he said.

Azuwan said he did not mind the lifestyle change but did not understand why essential food items were taxed as well.

“I understand if luxury items are taxed but things like food and drinks should not be taxed, it is a basic necessity.”

Moon Chai, 22, a sales consultant, said she welcomed the implementation of GST despite the financial burden it laid upon her.

“I have to sacrifice a little luxury, like shopping and dining out with friends but it has taught me how to manage my money more wisely,” she said.

Chai said Malaysians should stop complaining and adopt a more positive attitude towards GST.

“You can either throw a fuss about it, or act like mature citizens and help contribute to our economy,” she said.

Rebecca Narendran, 32, who has just tied the knot, said she was still undecided about starting a family because of the GST burden.

“It is just the two of us for now so it’s all right. I’m not sure how we will handle it if we had children,” said the assistant bank manager.

Rebecca was positive the economy would recover with the GST collected so far.

“I’m not sure where the money is channelled to but I am sure the government will be more transparent to ensure the economy improves,” she said.