KUALA LUMPUR – The Inland Revenue Board (IRB) is kicking up a fuss over an article on the experiences of taxpayers with outstanding records when leaving the country.
Instead of responding to the article, IRB’s corporate communications department is now saying “what is the point” in replying now that the article is out?
For the record, The Vibes contacted IRB on Monday for a reaction but had yet to receive any feedback.
In a series of text messages, IRB public relations officer Masrun Maslim questioned why the article on allegations of overzealous attempts to bar citizens from leaving the country was published.
The Vibes reached out to Masrun on Monday with several questions but today he retorted with: “Our response is in the approval stage and might be approved by today. But after what happened, I don’t think we will respond anymore.”
“Now what’s the point in us responding when you couldn’t wait for our side of the story?”
When contacted on Monday, Masrun had said while he had not heard of any accusations regarding IRB system errors, questions could be directed to the email provided for clarification.
Masrun should be reminded that if he feels he has no obligation to the media, he and by extension, his bosses certainly have a responsibility to explain and reassure taxpayers.
Today, The Vibes reported that the IRB’s apparent enforcement efficiency is under scrutiny after allegations came to light of overzealous attempts to bar citizens from leaving the country.
Speaking to The Vibes on condition of anonymity, several Malaysians shared their vexing experience with discrepancies in IRB’s system, claiming that the ordeals have cost them thousands of ringgit and countless hours of mental anguish.
The board has recently faced challenges of its own, with its appeal against the high court’s decision on its right to access and audit a client’s account maintained by a law firm being recently dismissed by the Federal Court.
Chief justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, who chaired the seven-member bench, said the contents of the client’s account related to the monies belonging to the client are covered by solicitor-client privilege. – The Vibes, July 29, 2022
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