Penang ranks second in tax collection, also home to many tax dodgers, says LHDN

BUKIT MERTAJAM: While Penang has the second highest tax collection after Sarawak, there are also high number tax dodgers, especially owners of sole proprietorship, says the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN).

"This category has the most tax dodgers due to non-compliance" said Penang LHDN director Norfaidah Daud.

"We will have to seriously look into this non-compliance as it could mean a loss in tax collection," Norfaidah told newsmen after opening the "Lawatan Konsultasi Hasil (LKH) LHDNM Pulau Pinang" programme at Bandar Perda here on Monday (Sept 18).

"We collected more than RM7bil last year and last month our contribution to the Federal Government was 4.78% of the total country's collection," she said.

LHDN recorded one of its highest tax collections last year at RM175.4bil, an increase of 21.75% compared to 2021.

She said during the LKH programme IRB officers will visit 215 premises in the state over a four-day period.

"We are encouraging the Voluntary Non-Disclosure 2.0 scheme where there was an overwhelming response and our officers will allay fears of businesses that this incentive will not lead to investigation on their past non-tax payment records, if any," she added.