Ordered a Roku media player from US for $74.99 plus $34.81 shipping via Fedex, with total come to $109.80.

That's just below RM500 with exchange rate but got fedex email import tax today that they are asking for RM 53.79. I don't know how fedex calculate the freight fees added for custom but it's ridiculous!

On the charge

Customs Duties 0*
Import GST 48.79
Customs Compound 0
Free commercial zone 5
Amt payable 53.79

On the detail charge

product RM 329.56
Freight RM480.25
Insurance RM3.30
Total 813.21
import GST = 813.21*0.6% = 48.79

Same thing happens in US where USPS usually get a pass while UPS or Fedex will get import tax going in US.

The problem is buying from US, some time the shipping fees is more expensive using USPS, up to $30-$50 USD more. My guess is USPS works conjunction with POS Malaysia while others not. If you want to get POS Malaysia delivery domestically, you have to pick partnered carrier on foreign soil. So there's uncertainly if you take the chances of POS Malaysia, possibility avoiding tax but having to pay higher shipping cost. in my case, fedex is better deal since i already save about $30 USD in shipping, only to pay $60 RM in Tax.

On a separate incident....

When i moved back from US. I shipped a Pelican case cost me $1000 USD in shipping alone. I have called many carriers for advices. Fedex told me i would likely to get GST tax from Malaysia Custom, despite living there for more than XXX years and supposedly i should get a pass from all taxes. They said the Malaysia Custom GST everything coming in. If that shall occur, fedex will help me in appeal.

Then a UPS lady told me to include copy of my passport and what no, and a letter to explain what's in the package and list of all items and thank goodness i did.

No delay, no tax, not even GST! It would be hairy if i were to appeal the case, there's big pelican case of camera equipment and dozen fishing rod, just GST alone would be devastating!