Nice to meet you: Anwar greeting locals during the Sentuhan Madani event in Kota Kinabalu. — Bernama
Anwar: We hear them and understand this exercise will add pressure and cost
KOTA KINABALU: Beginning Jan 1, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) earning below RM1mil in annual revenue will be exempted from e-invoicing as part of efforts to ease their burden.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the decision was made after the government received feedback from businesses over the cost of implementing the system.
“After carrying out the assessment, the Cabinet made a preliminary decision yesterday (Friday).
“These small and medium businesses felt this would add pressure and costs.
“I heard them, so small companies will no longer be compelled to implement e-invoicing,” he said at the Sentuhan Madani programme.
On another matter, Sabah will finally see concrete movement on long-promised state rights and its 40% net revenue entitlement, with Anwar vowing that the Federal Government will honour what is owed.
“On the 40% state revenue, we will try to set a technical meeting by mid-January to discuss the parameters, payment mechanisms and other matters.”
The Prime Minister said Putrajaya is also committed to solving water, electricity and road issues in Sabah.
He said he could not promise that payments would be made in January but stressed that the parameters must be mutually agreed upon soon.
“This proves the Federal Government intends to keep its word on returning state rights and addressing pressing issues as soon as possible.
“There is no time to take a break after the Sabah election, it is time to work and deliver, to meet the people and break the perception that politicians only make empty election promises.”
Anwar added that the Federal Government would assess its financial capability and try its best to allocate more funding to address water, electricity and road woes in rural areas within these two months.
He said Putrajaya earlier allocated RM2bil to refund businesses and taxpayers for overpaid taxes but has decided to add another RM2bil after listening to grouses on the ground.
Anwar also urged elected representatives to start fulfilling their promises and duties to the people.
“The election has ended, with the results making some happy and some disappointed.
“This is part and parcel of elections. We have to accept the results, listen to voices on the ground with maturity and address concerns.”
Anwar said it is now every elected representative’s duty to work together regardless of political differences.
He called upon the Opposition, namely Parti Warisan led by Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, to come together with government representatives to exchange views and ideas on how to strengthen Sabah’s growth.
Speaking on development for the state, Anwar said the Federal Government is serious about addressing issues faced by the people but implementation of policies, projects and plans is sometimes delayed or slow.
“This does not mean we in the Federal Government do not care about Sabah.
“We can fight but those suffering are the people. So it is better that we use our power and do all we can for the rakyat and work hard on what we have promised.”
At the event, Hajiji reaffirmed the state’s commitment to continue supporting the Federal Government led by Anwar.
“We believe close relations between state and federal are important to ensure development, security and other matters.
“In our fight for state rights, never forget our responsibility to build this nation together. I am confident that with good state and federal relations, we can enjoy many more benefits, such as obligations on the 40% net revenue entitlement that we hope can be finalised within the shortest time.”
