HASiL Month 2026 Takes More People-centred Approach

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 28 (Bernama) -- HASiL Month 2026, rebranded from Tax Education Month, will adopt a more people-centred approach through various outreach programmes nationwide throughout October. 

Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (HASiL) Tax Education Division, Corporate Services Department director Ismadi Ismail, said the rebranding was undertaken in conjunction with HASiL’s 30th anniversary since its establishment as a statutory body in 1996, while also reflecting a shift in the agency’s approach to engaging with taxpayers. 

“HASiL Month is not merely a change of name, but represents a major shift in our approach to engaging with the community, moving beyond compliance-focused programmes to also reaching out and engaging directly with the people,” he said on Bernama Radio’s Jendela Fikir programme today. 

He said HASiL Month 2026, themed “Lapor Sukarela, Tanggungjawab Bersama” (Voluntary Reporting, Shared Responsibility), aims to encourage taxpayers to voluntarily fulfil, review and rectify their tax obligations, while safeguarding the country’s tax ecosystem. 

A total of 16 launch events will be held nationwide during HASiL Month, while the HASiL Literacy Tour programme will serve as the primary driver for the voluntary disclosure and tax evasion reporting campaigns. 

“We will be running two main campaigns here, one on voluntary disclosure and the other on reporting tax evasion. In addition, we will have various tax awareness and education programmes such as briefings, seminars, service booths, quizzes and interactive contests,” he said. 

Ismadi said the HASiL Literacy Tour programme would bring tax education and awareness closer to the community at popular locations such as shopping malls, markets, business areas, carnivals and community venues in both urban and rural areas. 

He said HASiL would also conduct a social experiment to gather public feedback on their perceptions of taxes and the agency’s services, and use the findings as a benchmark for improvements in the coming years. 

“The social experiment aims to obtain feedback and understand public perceptions of HASiL. We will ask five very simple questions that do not require lengthy answers, only ‘yes’ or ‘no’, to understand the public’s views of our services,” he said. 

At the headquarters level, the launch event will be held at IOI City Mall from Oct 1 to 3, featuring various activities including pocket briefings on e-Invoice and requirements for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), interactive games, live broadcasts, as well as appearances by celebrities and personalities. 

Ismadi said the selection of IOI City Mall as the launch venue is in line with HASiL’s approach of being where the public is, while also providing a more relaxed setting that combines educational elements, interaction and activities throughout the programme. 

On concerns among taxpayers who may have made errors in their tax reporting, Ismadi said mistakes could occur even when individuals had exercised caution or engaged professional services. As such, HASiL provides an avenue for them to review and rectify their tax affairs. 

“Do not panic or be afraid to come forward if there has been an offence or mistake, because we are ready to help. Our objective is simple, to ensure compliance and help the people return to compliance with confidence and honesty,” he said. 

Meanwhile, he said members of the public with credible information on tax evasion could submit it through HASiL’s official channels, but should refrain from making allegations or disseminating unverified information. 

“What is important is that we do not want unfounded allegations, and members of the public can conduct checks first because the information submitted will reach us for detailed processing, rather than for us to hastily blame the individual concerned,” he said. 

-- BERNAMA