07/12/2025

NATIONAL 3 theSun on Sunday DEC 7, 2025

E-invoice exemption threshold raised to RM1 million

to ensure next year’s rollout is more realistic, orderly and does not place undue pressure on small businesses still adapting to digital systems. He also addressed complaints regarding delayed tax refunds, which he acknowledged had frustrated taxpayers who fulfil their obligations on time. As an immediate corrective measure, Anwar announced that the government would increase the allocation for tax refunds from RM2 billion to RM4 billion this December to expedite outstanding payments, particularly for small businesses.

pressure and costs. I heard them, so small companies will no longer be compelled to implement e-invoicing,” he said during the Sentuhan Madani Bersama Rakyat Sabah programme at the Sabah International Convention Centre yesterday. Also present were Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor; deputy chief ministers Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun and Datuk Ewon Benedick; and Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali. Anwar said the matter was presented at the Cabinet meeting

KOTA KINABALU: The government will raise the e-invoice exemption threshold from RM500,000 to RM1 million beginning next year as part of efforts to ease the burden on small and medium enterprises (SME). Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the decision was made after the government received direct feedback from small business owners over the cost of implementing the system. “So, we reviewed it quickly. After carrying out the assessment, the Cabinet made a preliminary decision. These small and medium businesses felt this would add

KUALA LUMPUR: The Association of Employment Agencies Malaysia has expressed serious concerns over the ongoing difficulties faced by businesses when applying for foreign worker quotas, which have intensified since applications reopened in October 2025. The association said it has received a surge of inquiries from multiple industries seeking clarification on application procedures and reporting obstacles throughout the process, including inability to meet accommodation requirements under Act 446, difficulties in obtaining the required supporting letter under Section 60K, interview officers not approving quotas according to established ratios and sector-specific restrictions. “Foreign worker applications were frozen on March 18, 2023, before being reopened on a case by-case basis in October this year. During the initial reopening, requirements were inconsistent and frequently amended, causing substantial uncertainty and operational difficulties for businesses,” the association said. It also noted that many states no longer allowed low-cost, affordable or public housing to be used as worker accommodation and the limited number of Centralised Labour Quarters and Temporary Labour Quarters, particularly in the Klang Valley, has further complicated compliance. Applications to convert shop lots into hostels also involve high fees and lengthy processing times, making it difficult for small and medium enterprises. The association said it has formally raised these concerns in a letter to Human Resources Minister Steven Sim and has also met the Human Resources Ministry Policy Division to provide constructive feedback. The association proposes an approach that allows employers who cannot fully comply with Act 446 to sign a letter of undertaking and place a security deposit with the ministry, preventing businesses from losing migrant worker quotas. – Bernama Group raises issues on foreign worker applications Untong to outline implementation parameters. However, the full committee meeting is expected to take place before mid-January once several Cabinet vacancies are resolved. “We will set clear parameters – the amount, payment phases within a year and so on. All this will be finalised at the technical committee level, followed by the federal and state committees, before being submitted to both the Sabah Cabinet and the federal Cabinet,” he said, adding that having clear parameters is crucial to ensure payments are made in an orderly manner. – Bernama

He also reiterated the federal government’s commitment to implementing Sabah’s 40% revenue claim as provided under the Malaysia Agreement 1963. “This is the strength of the Madani government. Normally after an election, we take a breather. But not this time, because I don’t want anyone assuming that politics is merely about making promises without delivering.” Anwar said the Technical Committee, chaired by Treasury secretary-general Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican, has held preliminary meetings with Sabah state secretary Datuk Seri Safar

Concern over children held at immigration depots

Being placed together with adults or in non-conducive conditions could affect safety, mental health and development of minors: Suhakam

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

“Based on this principle, Suhakam is of the view that the current situation is not aligned with child protection obligations. “Detention in a closed environment, being placed together with adults or in non-conducive conditions, can affect the safety, mental health and development of children,” Farah told theSun . On the Home Ministry’s statement that the government adopts the UN’s Nelson Mandela Rules in detainee management, Farah said earlier inspections revealed substantial gaps. Suhakam’s previous monitoring found that conditions at many depots remain far below the minimum standards set by the Nelson Mandela Rules. The commission noted persistent overcrowding, with several facilities operating beyond their intended capacity and creating heightened safety and disease transmission risks. It also observed delays in access to medical treatment, a

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s continued detention of more than 2,000 children in immigration depots is inconsistent with the country’s child protection obligations, said the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam). Its children’s commissioner Dr Farah Nini Dusuki said the organisation remains deeply concerned about the number of children held in custodial settings and the risks it poses to their safety and development. “Suhakam views seriously the figure of 2,196 children who are still detained in immigration depots. “The child protection principle set out in Article 37(b) of the CRC (Convention on the Rights of the Child), which Malaysia applies, states that the detention of children must only be a last resort and for the shortest duration, while upholding the best interests of the child.

Farah said alternatives to detention are still inadequate in terms of capacity and holistic protection systems. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN

Mandela Rules, this clearly does not comply with Article 37(c) of the CRC.” Farah said alternatives to detention are still inadequate in terms of capacity and holistic protection systems. She said Suhakam continues to urge the government to implement community-based alternatives involving government agencies, NGOs and local networks. “Suhakam is ready to work with the government towards approaches aligned with international human rights standards.” She said the ministry’s approach of bringing health screenings directly to the ground helps ease access to healthcare and reduces the hesitation or fear people may have about undergoing checks. “Many people feel embarrassed to visit a hospital. Events like this give them a safe space to be screened without feeling judged. Only if a serious risk is detected do we refer them to a hospital,” she said. - Bernama

shortage of healthcare personnel and inconsistencies in hospital referrals. Detainees were found to have limited space for daily activities, minimal access to education and hygiene conditions that fell short of acceptable levels. “The Nelson Mandela Rules set strict standards on dignity, hygiene, living space, healthcare and the separation of detainee categories. These standards have not been fully met. “Monitoring by Suhakam shows boys aged 12 to 17 are held together with adult male detainees. Apart from the Nelson

Ministry offers free health screenings at Madani event PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry is offering free, comprehensive health screenings to the public at the three-day Rancakkan Madani Bersama Malaysiaku event, which ends today. highlighting its “War on Sugar” campaign, a medication consultation counter and booths operated by the ministry’s training and health institutes featuring health advocacy, stem-cell technology and medical innovation. treatment to at least four patients at a time,” she said. Rosnina added that one of the biggest draws is the men’s health screening counter – an area often overlooked.

“We offer targeted screenings for men’s reproductive and general health. If any risks are detected, visitors are immediately referred to a hospital,” she said, adding that mental health checks for stress and anxiety are also available.

Its Management Services Division undersecretary Rosnina Yaacob said the services include eye checks, men’s health screenings, PeKa B40 community examinations, and beauty and skincare education. She said the ministry is also

“Outside the main tent, we have mobile services such as dental treatment, breast cancer screening and lung checks. We also set up two mobile dental units that can provide basic