CYBERJAYA: Direct tax collection by the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) rose by RM19.19 billion or 10.38 per cent to RM203.99 billion last year, surpassing the RM200 billion mark for the first time, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said that as such, the government was able to allocate an additional RM11.4 billion for tax refunds owed to corporate taxpayers.
“This has enabled past commitments to be settled in a more orderly and transparent manner,” he said in a speech text read by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof at the launch of the IRB’s 30th Anniversary celebration here today.
The Prime Minister said during this period of global uncertainty, the IRB needs to continue strengthening its analytical and digitalisation capabilities, including enhancing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology to improve efficiency, reduce leakages, and ease compliance.
“At the same time, services to the public and businesses must continue to be simplified, expedited, and streamlined.
“The goal is not merely higher tax collection, but a tax system that is fairer, more transparent, and trusted,” he said.
Also present were Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, and IRB chief executive officer Datuk Dr Abu Tariq Jamaluddin. – BERNAMA
