Malaysia rolls out an exclusive year-end shopping fiesta

As the last quarter of the year approaches, Malaysia gears up to boost its shopping experience with some never-seen-before shopping offers. Malaysia has three major shopping seasons in a year, including 1 Malaysia Grand Prix, 1 Malaysia Sale Carnival and the Grand Year End Sale. To boost the grand retail finish and retain customer confidence, Malaysia brings forth the exclusive Tourist Refund Scheme.

According to a survey conducted recently by Tourism Malaysia, tourists spend maximum on shopping and the country witnesses dedicated tourists for shopping across key market hubs. The survey shows that tourist expenditure on shopping took the top spot from accommodation as travel component for the first quarter of 2015, with an increase of 10.8% to RM4.9 billion against the same period last year.

Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD) has appointed IRIS Global Blue TRS Malaysia SDN BHD to implement the Tourist Refund Scheme which allows the shoppers to claim refunds from the participating 400 retailers across key shopping destination. With a minimum spend of MYR 300, customers can ask for GST Refund Form. In order to avail refunds, the customer simply has to present the Refund Form along with passport and with a simple verification process, the refund can be claimed before departure from the country. Customers may combine receipts from the same Approved Outlet over a three month period prior to their departure from Malaysia.

Eligible overseas tourists are allowed to claim tax refund on goods purchased and brought out of Malaysia via air from these airports where the approved refund points are located:

• Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2
• International Airport in Senai, Johor
• International Airport in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
• International Airport in Kuching, Sarawak
• Bayan Lepas, Penang International Airport
• Sultan Ahmad Shah, Pahang International Airport
• Sultan Aziz Shah, Selangor International Airport (Subang Airport)

With more than 350 shopping malls offering more than 100 million square feet of net lettable area, shopping has been the most lucrative component of Malaysia tourism. Flexible norms and favourable exchange rates have helped Malaysia become the second best shopping destination in Asia Pacific region. Among the top 10 biggest shopping malls around the world, Malaysia has three of them including 1Utama, Mid Valley Megamall & Sunway Pyramid. With such customer friendly environment, Malaysia enjoys the presence of some of the best international brands in fashion, accessories, leisure, health and beauty including Algner, Armani Exchange, H&M, Banana Republic, Burberry, Calvin Klein, DKNY, Canali, Bvlgari, Canali, Coach, Cartier, Chopard, De Beers, Pandora, Longines, Montblanc, Rolex, Tissot, Tifany & MAC to name a few.