I REFER to recent reports that from May 1 there will be no petrol subsidy for non-citizens. The government needs to clarify what is meant by foreigners and non-citizens to avoid confusion and possible anomalies.

Many foreign-owned companies have in their employment expatriates who are issued employment passes and visas by the Immigration Department subsequent to obtaining approval from Mida when they set-up their plants/companies in Malaysia.

And they are regarded as residents by the Inland Revenue Board if they are in the country for a minimum of 180 days a year; and these foreigners pay income tax.

We also have foreigners who are permanent residents via the Malaysia: My Second Home programme.

I hope the Finance Ministry and the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry will take a serious view of the various categories of foreign residents to dispel any possible negative perceptions.

BN
Kepong