THE Government will exempt companies with annual revenue below RM1 million from mandatory e-invoicing, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced, saying the Cabinet reached the decision during its meeting yesterday.
The exemption doubles the earlier threshold, which had applied only to firms earning under RM500,000.
The Prime Minister made the remarks during a working visit to Sabah on Saturday—his first since the conclusion of the state election a week earlier—describing the trip as a deliberate signal that political promises must remain valid beyond the campaign trail.
He said it was important for him to return to Sabah immediately after polling day to dispel any perception that politicians make commitments only before an election.
"Because I do not want any assumption that political promises are made before an election, and after winning, one becomes comfortable. But as we heard ourselves, just now my friend Datuk Seri Hajiji said this is not our political culture. Our political culture is that once the vote is cast, and even though the swearing-in was at 3am, I sent to the Chief Minister the P. Ramlee song, ‘pukul 3 pagi’," he said.
He was speaking at the Madani Outreach Programme with the People of Sabah, held at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC).
Anwar emphasised that the election was now behind them and it was time to move forward over the next five years.
"As expected, some will feel happy, some slightly disappointed. That is natural in a democratic contest, but maturity is when we accept the result gracefully, and the wisdom lies in using that moment to listen seriously to what is being voiced. What are the demands, what are the people proud of, what do they feel?
"Although I am here for only about two days, we surveyed closely and met many leaders and saw for ourselves the various communities, districts, urban, peri-urban, rural and interior areas, and how we can enhance our efforts," he said.
He noted that Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor had raised immediate concerns, and he himself acknowledged hearing similar feedback.
"What issues did I hear? The Chief Minister mentioned the immediate issues. On my part, I can only say that we have approved large allocations for water, electricity, the Pan Borneo Highway and village roads," he said.
However, Anwar acknowledged that some residents had informed him that certain areas still lack these facilities, or enjoy them only partially.
"We have heard this, so I have suggested to the coordination unit in the Prime Minister’s Department that beginning January, we will start joint monitoring of projects with the state government—whether they are state or federal projects—so that progress can be reviewed monthly.
"If a project already exists, why the delay, and what needs to be expedited? For that purpose, if it involves the federal government, I assure you that I will give my utmost attention and ensure there are no delays in 21 projects."
Decision on Sabah’s 40 Per Cent Revenue Entitlement by Mid- January
Anwar also said a decision regarding Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement will be made in the middle of next month. He added that the allocation, previously expected in April, would instead be channelled to the state sooner.
He assured that federal authorities would undertake joint monitoring of Sabah development projects to prevent future hold-ups. - December 6, 2025
