Govt won't introduce new taxes, aims for fairer subsidies, says Anwar


MELAKA: The government does not intend to introduce new taxation instruments but rather aims to implement a more equitable targeted subsidy system that meets the needs of the people, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said the recent announcement regarding targeted diesel subsidies exempts low-income groups such as fishermen, smallholders and taxi drivers from these taxes.

"I do not wish to introduce new taxation instruments that burden the people. The issue with the (current) diesel subsidy is the significant leakage, costing billions of ringgit... the wealthy and large industries still benefit from these subsidies.

"The implementation of targeted subsidies will (only) affect the wealthy, large industries and foreign nationals. Fishermen, smallholders, Grab and taxi drivers will all be exempt (from being taxed)... potentially exempting nearly a million citizens from the diesel tax,” he said.

He said this in his speech at the Madani Convention here Saturday (May 25).

Also present at the event was Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.

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