The New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd welcomes the tax relief announced for newspaper subscriptions.
COMMENDABLE: Move will promote reading, knowledge economy, says CEO
Its chief executive officer says the move to include newspaper subscription as part of the lifestyle tax relief items in the 2017 Budget will augur well for the expansion of the stable’s newspaper readership.
THE New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd (NSTP) welcomes the tax relief on newspaper subscriptions.
NSTP chief executive officer Datuk Mohammad Azlan Abdullah said the move to include print newspaper subscriptions as part of the lifestyle tax relief items in the 2017 Budget would help expand newspaper readership.
He said the inclusion of smartphones, computers and tablets as part of the tax relief items was commendable.
“More Malaysians read the news online and via digital platforms, both of which are being offered by NSTP. We would like to thank Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak for the decision. It will encourage the habit of reading and promote a knowledge economy,” he said yesterday.
In the tabling of the 2017 Budget yesterday, Najib announced that tax relief would be extended to include the purchase of print newspapers, smartphones and tablets, Internet
subscriptions, as well as gymnasium membership fees.
The relief is given up to RM2,500 per year, and will be effective from year of assessment next year.
Utusan Melayu (M) Bhd group managing director Datuk Mohd Noordin Abbas said the announcement proved that the government acknowledged the importance of the print media and welcomed the emergence of digital media.
He said the inclusion of newspaper subscriptions and smartphones in the tax relief showed Najib’s continued support towards the media industry,
both traditional and digital.
“It is further proof of Najib’s consistency in his transformation initiatives in making Malaysia a knowledge-based and reading society.
“Utusan welcomes Najib’s budget announcement as music to the ears.
“We feel appreciated to be a part of the learning platform in the government’s effort in creating a wellinformed society,” he said.
Star Media Group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai also welcomed the tax relief on print newspapers.