Iskandar puteri: The Cabinet has agreed to review the implementation of the e-invoice system and Employees Provident Fund (EPF) contributions involving non-citizen workers. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced the decision following a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the review aims to explore the possibility of postponing both measures, which have been considered burdensome by traders and employers. The initiative was proposed by Barisan Nasional (BN), and Dr Ahmad Zahid expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister, the Unity Government, and all Cabinet members for their support of the recommendations. The Rural and Regional Development Minister highlighted the significance of this review in light of the current global economic uncertainties, particularly those stemming from the crisis in West Asia.

The e-invoice system, introduced on August 1, 2024, is part of a strategy to enhance tax administration and ease compliance for small and medium enterprises. Meanwhile, the mandatory 2 percent EPF contribution for non-citizen workers began with October last year's salary.

In a related development, Dr Ahmad Zahid conveyed his appreciation to the Prime Minister for approving a 10-year extension of the tax exemption period for Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT). He emphasized that the government's decision underscores its commitment to education, irrespective of race or political ties. Dr Ahmad Zahid noted that although TAR UMT is linked with MCA, it admits students from diverse backgrounds, including those affiliated with DAP, Sabah, and Sarawak. However, TAR UMT is still required to submit annual financial and audit reports to the Ministry of Finance.