Anwar says don't evade paying taxes

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reminded all parties not to deceive or evade paying taxes to the government.

The finance minister said he paid his due - RM500 - as imposed by the Customs Department, for one barrel of olive oil presented by a friend from an Arab country.

“My old friend is an Arab. He sends me one drum of olive oil every year. I will bring it to the family and friends as the oil is from the trees planted in his house.

“This year, Klang Customs imposed a tax of RM500 on me. I said I am not in business but I will not appeal.

“I want to relate this as an example. If the prime minister has to pay taxes, other people should not try to deceive the government,” he said.

Anwar was speaking at the 42nd World Customs Day celebration in Kuala Lumpur.

Revenue collection target ‘achievable’

In Putrajaya, Anwar said he was confident that the department would be able to achieve the revenue collection target of RM56 billion this year.

“I believe, Insya-Allah, our target, the projection for 2024 will be achieved, and possibly, exceed the target,” he said when speaking at the 42nd World Customs Day celebration today.

Last year, the department’s revenue collection amounted to RM55.1 billion, exceeding the target of RM53.5 billion.

Describing the success as a record for the country, Anwar expressed his appreciation to the department.

“If there is no increase in efficiency, if leakage, wastage is allowed to continue, or allowing one or two small groups to transfer wealth for themselves and their families, the department can’t record an impressive collection,” he said.

He assured the department staff that they would be getting a better bonus this year.

Better infrastructure

Anwar said the department’s collection not only increased the country’s revenue but also provided huge benefits to the people at various levels of society.

“What does it mean if you (the department) can collect RM55.1 billion (last year’s revenue collection), it means that the country’s revenue increases and if the country has a firm leader, there’s no leakage, the money that you collect will go back to the children in school, parents who are treated in hospitals and better infrastructure can be built.

“So it is your responsibility to collect revenue, and the responsibility of all other departments to ensure the revenue is managed well,” he said.

In thanking the department staff for their contributions, Anwar announced an increase in housing allocation - from RM20 million to RM50 million.

He also instructed Finance Minister II Amir Hamzah Azizan and Treasury secretary-general Johan Mahmood Merican to accelerate the disbursement of allocation for department quarters and other basic facilities.

- Bernama