Perception of High-Value Goods Tax Implementation in Malaysia among Postgraduate Students at Universiti Utara Malaysia

The high-value goods tax in Malaysia is part of the government's strategy to increase revenue by taxing luxury or expensive items. The study purposely investigates the perceptions of postgraduate students at Universiti Utara Malaysia regarding High-Value Goods Tax (HVGT) which aligns with the Theory of Planned Behavior as attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control are confirmed to be the basis of the perceptions. This study is designed with a qualitative approach to get an in-depth perception among a group of respondents taking into consideration their background and knowledge of taxation matters. Overall, the respondents believed that it is their responsibility to pay for the tax if imposed and in fact, willing if the rates are not a burden to them. The respondents also agreed on the elements of subjective norms where friends, family, and peers also play roles in sharing knowledge about HVGT and indirectly affect their decisions. A few other elements are also being highlighted to influence the respondents’ perception of the HVGT’s implementation in Malaysia such as support, knowledge, and affordability. This study adds to the existing literature on HVGT perceptions and offers valuable insights for policymakers to consider when refining HVGT policy in Malaysia