KUCHING, Jan 4 – A 28-year-old chef, Fang, is unable to leave Kuching after being hit with a shocking RM800,000 tax bill caused by identity theft. Working in Singapore, Fang has been stuck in Malaysia since October 2024 because of a travel ban imposed by the Immigration Department.
The trouble started when Fang discovered his identity was used without his knowledge to register a company in Kuala Lumpur. The Inland Revenue Board (IRB) later sent him letters demanding unpaid taxes of RM755,221.13 and RM48,543.68 for 2021.
Seeking Help to Clear His Name
Fang, now on unpaid leave, has asked for help from Wong King Wei, a legal advisor, and Milton Foo, the Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Public Complaints Bureau chief. Foo criticised the IRB for not handling the case properly.
“How can the IRB calculate such high tax arrears when the company had no bank accounts or auditor’s reports?” Foo questioned during a press conference. He also pointed out that Fang had to check with 20 banks but found no accounts linked to the fake company.
Calls for Action and Fair Treatment
Wong called the situation unfair, saying it violates Fang’s human rights. “It’s wrong to stop someone from traveling when the case is still being investigated. Fang could lose his job, and the IRB must allow him to return to work,” Wong said.
Both Wong and Foo urged the IRB to act quickly to solve the case. They are also considering legal action to lift the travel ban and ensure Fang gets justice.