KUALA LUMPUR: The Finance Ministry targets a tax collection of RM155 bil by the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN), up 5% from the RM147 bil last year.
Minister Lim Guan Eng said LHDN’s gross direct tax collection for 2019 was RM145.078 bil, nearly 6% or over RM8 bil more than the previous year.
At a press conference in conjunction with LHDN’s Meet the Customer Day here today also attended by its CEO Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah, Lim said the higher tax collection last year reflects the administration’s policy of CAT (Competency, Accountability and Transparency) and shows the sustainability of the country’s economic growth for 2019 and this year.
Lim noted that the government’s effective strategies throughout last year, such as more professional tax enforcement, focused tax education and Special Voluntary Disclosure Programme (PKPS), also increased the people’s confidence and trust in the tax system, prompting them to carry out their duty to pay tax.
“The government, through LHDN, will continue to implement tax laws efficiently and improve the effectiveness of enforcement activities in the effort to address the issue of the shadow economy, which is estimated at 20% of gross domestic product (GDP),” he said.
LHDN will also hold more frequent engagement sessions and tax education activities with stakeholders such as today’s Meet the Customer Day, he added. – Jan 8, 2020 Bernama
