In a method of video decoding at a video decoder, a coded video bitstream is received. The coded video bitstream includes a first high level syntax (HLS) element indicating whether a second HLS element is included in the coded video bitstream. The second HLS element indicates whether explicit multiple transform selection (MTS) for intra coding is enabled. Whether an implicit MTS is enabled for a current block is determined responsive to (i) the first HLS element indicating that the second HLS element is included in the coded video bitstream, (ii) the second HLS element indicating that the explicit MTS for intra coding is disabled, and (iii) a prediction mode of the current block is an intra prediction mode. Further, the current block is reconstructed based on whether the implicit MTS is enabled.