Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail has stated any tax that is imposed on the public must be returned as a service or other benefit for the public.
Speaking to PSM News, Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail said the government’s policy on imposing tax is ensuring the taxes are beneficial for the public. The minister stated tax is not imposed simply as an additional source of income for the state, noting it is directly related to improving the services provided to the public. As such, he noted taxes such as roadworthiness fees are used for road development and streetscaping projects.
The economic minister further stated the government has lost nearly an year of development due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he affirmed the government will continue its development efforts across the country, despite the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The State Budget proposed by the government for 2021 includes six additional modes of income for the state. This includes imposing telecommunications licence fees and congestion fees as well as increasing the rate of Airport Development Fee (ADF) and airport service charges.