Electronic Invoice Increases Hawkers' Burden, Chong Chieng Jen Says Pressure on Federal Government Will Continue

(Kuching, 28th) With the federal cabinet having decided to fully implement the electronic invoice system, the Sarawak DAP will continue to speak for the hawkers, pressuring the federal government and arguing on their behalf to raise the business turnover threshold for micro-enterprises, especially small hawkers, from the currently set RM150,000 to RM500,000 to alleviate their operating costs and burdens!

Sarawak DAP Chairman and State Assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen acknowledged that the full implementation of the electronic invoice system by the government undoubtedly increases the burden and cost for enterprises. Especially now, with the economy in a downturn and the rise in prices, most people are reducing their spending in places like markets or hawker centers, making it difficult for small hawkers to do business. Now, the government is implementing the electronic invoice system, which may force them to purchase electronic devices specifically for issuing electronic invoices or receipts, undoubtedly adding extra trouble and cost, making it even more difficult for them to earn a living.

Chong Chieng Jen stated that he can understand the government's purpose in implementing the electronic invoice system is to combat the ‘underground economy’ and prevent businesses from exploiting legal loopholes to evade taxes. However, this policy should not increase the burden on micro-enterprises and hawkers. After all, in today's economic climate, they sometimes barely make ends meet relying on the support of loyal customers. How much tax can they evade? Moreover, they report and pay taxes to the Inland Revenue Board every year and also have to pay fees for municipal licenses and stall rentals, etc., hence, the profit remaining after these expenses may be minimal.

“The current government-set business turnover threshold for implementing the electronic invoice system at RM150,000 is too low because this set amount is based on total revenue, not net income after deducting costs. If the government implements it as planned, this will force businesses to bear the additional operating costs of implementing this system, adversely affecting their livelihood.”

 In response to SUPP Kuching Branch Youth Secretary Michael Huang's inquiry about the Sarawak DAP's position on the system, Chong Chieng Jen was puzzled as to why Huang only questioned him personally, ignoring all the ministers and deputy ministers of the entire Sarawak Alliance cabinet.

“This highlights the dispensable role of SUPP in the federal government, as even the SUPP federal ministers in the Sarawak Alliance have no opportunity to meet with the Sarawak Alliance cabinet ministers, or SUPP completely lacks the courage to speak to the Sarawak Alliance cabinet ministers, hence unable to voice for the hawkers.”

Chong Chieng Jen also questioned whether it is because SUPP has a poor relationship with the Sarawak Alliance’s federal cabinet ministers and deputy ministers, leading to a lack of channels to effectively convey the hawkers' concerns about the electronic invoice system to the Sarawak Alliance ministers in the federal cabinet. Therefore, the party only chooses to have their Kuching Branch Youth Chief criticize him and the Sarawak DAP to cover up their incompetence in securing better solutions and policies for the people and hawkers.” 

Nonetheless, Chong Chieng Jen emphasized that on the issue of the electronic invoice system, the Sarawak DAP will continue to stand firm, speaking for the people and hawkers of Sarawak, making every logical argument and pressuring the federal government to review the electronic invoice system. They will strive to raise the business turnover threshold from the set RM150,000 to RM500,000 to reduce the unnecessary burdens and operational pressures faced by many micro businesses, especially hawkers, in implementing the electronic invoice system.