By AKMAR ANNUAR

MALAYSIANS planning international travel for leisure, business, or religious purposes are urged by the Inland Revenue Board (HASiL) to check their tax compliance status to avoid potential travel restrictions.

Citing its authority under the Income Tax Act 1967 and Real Property Gains Tax Act 1976, HASiL disclosed that as of Nov 30, as many as 203,123 individuals and companies faced travel bans due to outstanding tax arrears.

This includes 175,656 individual cases under Section 104 of the Income Tax Act; 15,070 company cases under Section 75A; and other categories under the Real Property Gains Tax Act.

Travel bans are a last resort, imposed only after repeated reminders and notices have failed to secure payment, HASiL said in a statement on Tuesday.

“Taxpayers are encouraged to verify their tax status via the MyTax portal or check travel restrictions on the Immigration Department’s website,” the board advised.

Starting March 4 this year, taxpayers can also request to lift travel bans through HASiL’s e-Sekatan Perjalanan service available on MyTax, in addition to existing channels like contacting the HASiL Contact Centre or visiting local offices.

The board reiterated that travel restrictions are part of its efforts to enforce tax legislation and encourage compliance, rather than to punish defaulters.

“This is part of our effort to uphold a fair and efficient tax administration system, which strengthens public trust and contributes to national development,” it said.

Taxpayers seeking more information can reach out to the HASiL Contact Centre or visit HASiL’s official website for online resources.