CYBERJAYA (Nov 3): Gross direct tax collection for the first 10 months of 2026 rose 5.8% to RM174.48 billion, up from RM164.92 billion in the same period last year, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. 

He said the increase was due to efforts to strengthen tax compliance through e-Invoice data, among other factors. 

Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said over 97,000 taxpayers have come forward to voluntarily submit tax returns for previous years, with a total tax payable of RM1.68 billion. 

“Through strengthened compliance efforts and the use of e-Invoice data, over 97,000 taxpayers have come forward to voluntarily submit tax returns for previous years, with a total tax payable amounting to RM1.68 billion,” he said during the 2026 Innovation and Integrity Day celebration organised by the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) on Tuesday.

His speech was read by Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan. 

Anwar said implementing e-Invoice is part of efforts to strengthen compliance and improve the efficiency of the country’s tax administration. 

He also expressed his appreciation to all IRB personnel for their contributions towards strengthening the country’s revenue position. 

Previously, the IRB reported that federal government tax revenue collection increased by 9% to RM129.6 billion for the period up to June 2026, compared to RM119.1 billion during the same period last year. 

Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong reportedly said the increase was driven, in part, by higher corporate income tax collection. 

Read also:
IRB: RM7.7 bil in additional assessments discovered after auditing 408,726 cases
Anwar: 2.14 bil e-invoices submitted as of Nov 2, implementation to uphold fairness

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