Hawkers get reassurance on e-invoice implementation

SIBU: About 350 people, mostly hawkers, turned up for an electronic invoice or e-invoice talk organised by the Sibu MP Service Centre at Methodist Pillley Institute (MPI) here on Friday.

“The hawkers are quite worried about the implementation of the e-invoice because they probably thought they have to get a machine or purchase applications to start the e-invoice system,” said MP Oscar Ling.

“Actually the government has a different mechanism for petty traders so they don’t have to buy any implement if the sales volume is very low because the government will provide a free apps for them by using their handphone to issue e-invoice,” he said.

Ling made these remarks after officiating at a food subsidy programme organised by his service centre at Bisonte Grocer & Deli here today (June 15) in conjunction with Hari Raya Haji.

A total of 800 sets of specially subsidised food items worth RM30 per set, down from the original price of RM45.60, were snapped up.

The subsidised food items consisted of 5kg white rice, lkg of sugar, 1kg cooking oil, 30 organic eggs and five packs of instant noodles.

Ling (centre) with his service centre team members at the food subsidy programme.

Crowd of people turned upo for the food subsidy programme.

According to Ling, the idea behind e-invoice is to ensure all transactions in the market will have digital trail within the digital record of th Inland Revenue Board (LHDN).

It is more transparent and also efficient so as to prevent any loophole in the transaction system.

“Previously petty traders didn’t pay any taxes and didn’t even report their income to the LHDN. So if they want to purchase any asset like a house or car they cannot buy as they are afraid LHDN will come and investigate them.

“With the e-invoice even though they do not reach the tax paying limit, they can still report their income to LHDN.

“Let’s say their monthly income is RM2,000, they can report their income every month to LHDN. So after 10 or 20 years, if they want to puchase a house, car, they can prove their earnings.”

According to Ling they can carry out their business transactions as usual but after a month they need to report their income for that month to the LHDN.

“It is quite simple and we will try to help them when the time comes should they need assistance particularly technical help,” he stated.

Ling said the e-invoice will be implemented this August for companies with a turnover of more than RM100 million and above.

He said companies with a turnover of RM25 million and above will start in January next year.

“The e-invoice will be fully implemented by July next year, so we still have one year plus for people to get used to the idea of e-invoice.”

On fears among the people that the implemention of digital rationalisation is to cut subsidies, Ling pointed out that it is actually to rationalise the subsidy.

“We try to block any misuses. That is idea of digital rationalisation. The money that we save is for the benefit of the rakyat,” Ling added.