KUCHING: The Ministry of Finance (MoF) expects tax revenue collection of RM6.8 billion from Sarawak this year.
“We need to increase our tax collection in Sarawak from last year’s RM6.6 billion to RM6.8 billion this year.
“Therefore, there are three approaches we are looking at to achieve this target – through Voluntary Disclosure Programme (PPS), Awareness, Education and Services (AES) concept, and having an engagement session with taxpayers,” Deputy Finance Minister I Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan told a press conference after officiating at the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (IRBM) donation handover ceremony at the Malaysian Tax Academy here today.
Under PPS which runs until June 1, 2023 to May 31, 2024, Ahmad said the programme is open to all new and existing taxpayers.
“I also hope the citizens of Sarawak who are eligible to pay taxes will come forward to make a voluntary disclosure within the given period.
“Apart from that, one of the benefits is that there will be a zero percent penalty for under-reporting or misreporting of income,” he said.
He also reminded taxpayers not to worry about reporting their income and encouraged them to visit the nearest IBRM branch for help.
Earlier, in his speech, Ahmad said constant awareness of tax payment is important.
“Taxpayers are heroes in the community, this is because when tax is collected, it goes back to people in terms of infrastructure development.
“Therefore, I hope the IRBM Sarawak officers will be more creative and find ways to create a better understanding among the public on the importance of paying tax,” he said.
Also present was IRBM Sarawak director Vijayen Nagalingham.
