THE Departure Levy Bill today drew fire from lawmakers from both sides of aisle as it is deemed too wide and not specific enough. 

“Two million people each year travel to and from Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei. And we cannot avoid Brunei as it sits in between our two states,” said Hasbi Habibollah (Limbang-GPS) in Dewan Rakyat today.

“People who have family ties in those three places will be badly affected by this levy. Moreover, towns like Miri will suffer if this levy is imposed as many Brunei citizens go there during their breaks.”

The government tabled the bill for second reading following last year’s budget announcement for a levy to be imposed on anyone leaving the country.  

Backbencher Hassan Abdul Karim (Pasir Gudang-PH) said the proposed law is too broad.

“Although I’m from the government party, I will only support this law if there is an exemption for religious pilgrims.”

He said the exemption should not just be for Muslims going for haj but should cover anyone who wants to go for religious pilgrimage. 

If passed, the levy will be effective June 1.

While the law allows the finance minister to exempt certain groups, the mode of travel is not clearly spelt out and can be taken to mean any mode of transportation.

Those caught not paying the levy is subjected to a fine of RM500,000 or three years in jail.

Pontian MP Ahmad Maslan also called on the government to delay the bill as it involved many Malaysians who commute daily to work in Singapore.

“It would be better if the government exempts travel within Asean countries as many of those who stay near the borders in Kedah, Johor, Sabah and Sarawak will be affected.”

He added exemption should be given to religious pilgrims, children and senior citizens.

Chan Foong Hin (Kota Kinabalu-PH) said the levy is only applicable to airline travellers.

“In a briefing, the finance minister said this is only applicable to those who travel by flight and will not affect daily commuters.” – April 9, 2019