Alor setar: A company operating hotel services and its director were charged in the Sessions Court here today with four counts of failing to pay service tax amounting to more than RM153,000 two years ago. Royale Signature International Sdn Bhd and its director, Tang Wooi Chon, 70, each faced two charges and pleaded not guilty before Judge N. Priscilla Hermamalini.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the charges indicate that the company, represented by a senior financial executive, failed to pay service tax amounting to RM77,242.20 and RM75,765.79 within the period stipulated under Section 26(4) of the Service Tax Act 2018 (Act 807). The offences were allegedly committed at the Inland Revenue Division of the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) at the Persiaran Sultan Abdul Hamid Customs Complex on March 1 and May 1, 2024.

For these offences, the company was charged under Section 26(8) of the Service Tax Act 2018, which prescribes a penalty of up to RM50,000, imprisonment of up to three years, or both, upon conviction. Tang, who faces two corresponding charges in his capacity as company director, was also charged under the same legal provision.

JKDM prosecuting officer Muhamad Syafiq Haslan requested bail of RM25,000 for Tang. However, Tang, who appeared without legal representation, appealed for a lower amount, citing his consistent attendance at court proceedings. The court subsequently allowed bail of RM10,000 with one surety and scheduled the case for mention on July 23.