PUTRAJAYA, Jan 23 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is confident the Royal Malaysian Customs Department’s (JKDM) can achieve its RM56 billion revenue collection target this year.
“I believe, InsyaAllah, our target, the projection for 2024 will be achieved, and possibly, exceed the target,” he said when speaking at the 42nd World Customs Day celebration today.
Last year, JKD’s revenue collection stood at RM55.1 billion, exceeding the RM53.5 billion target.
Describing the success as a record for Malaysia, Anwar expressed his appreciation to the JKDM team.
“If there is no increase in efficiency, if leakage, wastage is allowed to continue, or allowing one or two small groups to transfer wealth for themselves and their families, JKDM cannot record an impressive collection,” he said.
Anwar assured the JKDM staff that they would get a better bonus this year.
JKDM’s collection not only increased the country’s revenue but also provided huge benefits to the people at various levels of society.
“What does it mean if you (JKDM) can collect RM55.1 billion (last year’s revenue collection)? It means the country’s revenue increases, and if the country has a firm leader, there is no leakage; the money that you collect will go back to the children in school and parents who are treated in hospitals and better infrastructure can be built.
“So it is your (JKDM) responsibility to collect revenue and the responsibility of all other departments to ensure the revenue is managed well,” he said.
In thanking the JKDM staff for their contributions, Anwar announced an increase in JKDM’s housing allocation from RM20 million to RM50 million.
He has also instructed Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan and Treasury secretary-general (KSP) Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican to accelerate the allocation disbursement for JKDM quarters and other basic facilities.
— Bernama
