SIBU: Sarawak will have a better understanding of its national tax contribution and its share of federal resources with the appointment of a representative from Sarawak on the Inland Revenue Board (IRB).
Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Michael Tiang Ming Tee highlighted the significance of this appointment, coinciding with Sarawak’s celebration of the 60th anniversary of joining Malaysia.
“Not only that we are celebrating the 60th anniversary of Sarawak in Malaysia, the federal cabinet has also approved the appointment of a representative from Sarawak as a member of the board directors of the Malaysian inland revenue service.
“This appointment is not only in line with the spirit of MA1963 but more importantly, Sarawak (finally) has a representative director in IRB,” he said.
The Pelawan assemblyman said this in a text of speech delivered by his representative Kapitan Ling Hua Wei at the Tax Awareness Talk at Methodist Pilley Institute (MPI) here today.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had previously announced the appointment of Sarawak Financial Secretary Datuk Seri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar as the state’s representative on the Inland Revenue Board.
Tiang also stressed the importance of tax compliance, urging citizens to fulfil their responsibility by submitting accurate tax returns to the LHDN.
“Taxation is an important income for the development of our country, and as a responsible citizen, whether it is a migrant worker or entrepreneurs, we should file our taxes truthfully. So you don’t have to worry about tax officers coming to check your accounts,” he said.
He said that with a strong and stable fiscal revenue, only then can the government implement more projects to benefit the people, such as building hospitals, improving school facilities, building roads and strengthening border defence.
The Tax Awareness Talk was organised by the Methodist Pilley Institute (MPI) and was attended by 197 Form 5 and 6 students, and teachers from eight schools.
