A TOTAL of 293 million e-invoices have been successfully issued as of May this year, marking a significant milestone since the system’s rollout in August 2024, according to Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying.
Lim, who is also the Tanjong MP, hailed the figure as a reflection of robust industry cooperation and a notable achievement in the early phase of e-invoicing implementation spearheaded by the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN).
While e-invoicing has not yet been made mandatory for small traders earning below RM150,000 annually, Lim encouraged voluntary participation.
“Early adoption allows small businesses to harness the benefits of digitalisation, including more systematic financial management and broader access to financing,” she said.
She emphasised the government’s commitment to a gradual and flexible approach, guided by the principle of ‘educate first, correct later’.
“To support this, various resources such as training sessions, user guidelines, and the MyInvois portal are being made available to facilitate awareness and adoption, particularly at the grassroots level,” she said.
Lim made these remarks during a Special E-Invoice Briefing Session for Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) held at St Giles The Wembley Hotel in George Town this evening.
She stated that the programme not only aims to offer clear, practical guidance on the e-invoicing system but also serves as an open dialogue platform, enabling participants to exchange views and propose enhancements to ensure the system’s continued improvement.
Highlighting the importance of collaboration, Lim said the success of e-invoicing hinges on active participation from NGOs, religious institutions such as temples and shrines, and other community organisations.
“Their involvement is expected to bolster efficiency, transparency, and tax compliance, aligning with the government’s broader agenda to modernise the tax administration and support the growth of Malaysia’s digital economy.
“The implementation of e-invoicing is not just a technical upgrade—it represents a fundamental transformation of our national tax management system,” she added.
The third phase of the rollout is scheduled to begin on July 1, 2025, and will extend the requirement to all businesses, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The e-invoicing initiative was first introduced on August 1, 2024, for companies with annual revenues exceeding RM100 million, followed by the second phase on January 1, 2025, covering businesses with annual sales between RM25 million and RM100 million.
Also present during the programme were Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng and Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor Alan Lim Wei Lun.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud