PUTRAJAYA, Dec 10 — The Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) has imposed travel restrictions on 203,123 people and companies as of November 30.
In a statement today, the LHDN said the number included 175,656 people with arrears under Section 104 of the Income Tax Act (ACP) 1967, as well as 12,205 people with tax arrears under Section 22 of the Real Property Gains Tax Act (ACKHT) 1976.
“According to Sections 104 and 75A of the ACP 1967, and Section 22 of the ACKHT 1976, the LHDN is empowered to prevent any individual from leaving Malaysia if they or their company have unpaid tax arrears to the government.
“The travel restriction is the last action that can be imposed if the taxpayer still fails to pay the remaining outstanding tax (individuals and companies) after various reminders and notices have been issued,” the statement said.
According to the LHDN, the action of restricting travel abroad against any party is not aimed at denying them their rights but the action is an effort to enforce the existing tax law on taxpayers who fail to settle tax arrears.
The board said taxpayers should perform their responsibilities at all times and not delay the resolution of tax matters to avoid any inconvenience in the future.
“The LHDN would like to advise all taxpayers who wish to travel abroad to check the status of their tax arrears first through the MyTax portal.
“In addition, the review of travel restrictions abroad can be done through the official portal of the Malaysian Immigration Department,” it said.
According to the statement, starting March 4, 2024, applications for the cancellation of travel restrictions were enabled online through the e-Travel Restrictions service, which can be accessed through the MyTax portal.
Applications for the lifting of travel restrictions can also be made using the existing procedures and channels, namely by calling the LHDN Contact Centre at 03-8911 1000 or visiting the nearest LHDN office.
Further information on e-Travel Restrictions can be found on the LHDN website.
“In line with the latest trend of Malaysians who like to travel abroad or perform their religious obligations, LHDN would like to advise taxpayers to check the status of their tax arrears and travel restrictions before planning for any travel abroad,” the statement said.
— Bernama
