Finance Ministry has no plans to increase RM9,000 tax relief rate

PETALING JAYA: The Finance Ministry has no plans to increase the RM9,000 tax relief rate for individuals and dependents which has not been reviewed since 2010, according to a written reply.

In a Facebook post on Monday (March 10), Ayer Hitam MP Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said he received a written reply from the ministry on the matter.

“However, I commend the steps taken by the ministry to assist taxpayers through various initiatives, particularly in medical treatment, childcare allowance, support for persons with disabilities (OKU), as well as education and medical insurance,” he said.

Dr Wee, who is also MCA president, said his stance on the matter remains.

“After 15 years, inflation has risen significantly and it is only fair for the government to increase the personal and dependent relief to RM12,000, equivalent to RM1,000 per month.

“I am confident that this will help the B40 and M40 groups, who are severely impacted by the rising cost of living,” he said.