Kuala lumpur:<Text>

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the government will fully settle excess tax refunds for the 2023 and 2024 assessment years within this year. Anwar, who also serves as the Finance Minister, emphasized the importance of addressing these refunds as they amounted to RM22.5 billion in 2024, marking the highest level in five years.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar made this announcement during his 2026 New Year Address at the Prime Minister's Department Monthly Assembly. The decision to expedite these refunds was influenced by public feedback, with a significant emphasis on the concerns of small businesses. 'We listened to the concerns of the people, especially small companies,' he stated, highlighting the government's responsiveness to the needs of smaller enterprises.

Additionally, Anwar noted that the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) successfully resolved approximately 3.7 million excess tax refund cases in 2025. This achievement underscores the government's commitment to ensuring timely financial processes and addressing taxpayer concerns efficiently.