KUALA LUMPUR: The RM2,500 special tax relief for purchasing mobile phones, computers and tablets which expired on Dec 31, 2020, will be extended for another year until the end of 2021, says Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Muhyiddin, in announcing the RM15 billion Perlindungan Ekonomi dan Rakyat Malaysia (Permai) assistance package today, said the government made the decision after considering the 'new normal' that Malaysians are now enduring, with many having to rely heavily on technology.
"The government acknowledges that various incentives and tax relief measures have successfully stimulated the economy in several sectors.
"In line with the new normal, there is a greater reliance on the use of digital equipment.
"Hence, I am pleased to announce that a special tax relief of up to RM2,500 on the purchase of mobile phones, computers and tablets which expired on Dec 31, 2020, will be extended for another year until the end of 2021," he said during a live telecast today.
The prime minister also announced the extension of the provision of one free gigabyte of data for public to browse websites, including for educational purposes, to the end of April 2021.
Muhyiddin gave his assurance that the telecommunications industry is committed to providing assistance during the current Movement Control Order (MCO) period.
"This RM500 million facility started on January 1, 2021 and will be extended until the end of April 2021.
"In addition, a special subscription package for students who are sitting for their SPM and STPM examinations will also be extended to all students of higher learning institutions.
"This package will also be made available until the end of April 2021."