For most working Malaysians, tax season is an unavoidable part of adult life.
While many accept it as a responsibility, one Malaysian recently sparked debate online after admitting that paying a five-digit amount in taxes every year still feels painful, even though he understands why it exists.
Says paying tax every year makes him feel “sad”
In a post shared online, the man expressed frustration over having to pay a large amount in taxes annually.
According to him, despite working hard to provide for his family, a significant portion of his income ends up going to the government.
I feel really sad every year when I have to pay five-digit tax. I work hard to provide for my family, but so much of it ends up going to the government,” he wrote.
After the post gained traction, he added that he was surprised to see how many people seemed happy or proud about paying taxes.
He sarcastically congratulated those who were cheerful about it and joked that they could head to the nearest Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) office to become tax ambassadors.
He also clarified that while he understands paying tax is a responsibility, that does not mean he has to feel happy about it.
Says he grew up B40 and is the sole breadwinner
The man also explained that he was not born wealthy, saying he grew up in a B40 household before eventually improving his financial situation.
He added that being the sole breadwinner in the family makes the tax burden feel heavier.
It’s not like I was born straight into T20. I grew up B40 too. I accept paying tax, but it would be a lie if I said it doesn’t affect me when the amount is that big. I’m the sole breadwinner and I still have growing kids to support.”
He jokingly added that it would be dishonest to say he could smile happily when paying the amount.
“It would be a lie if I said I could smile widely like a McDonald’s clown while paying it.”
Netizens share mixed reactions
The post quickly sparked mixed reactions from netizens, with some empathising with the man while others reminded him that paying tax is part of contributing to society.
One user shared that over the past 20 years, they have contributed close to RM1 million in taxes, but view it as a way to help others.
“When I calculated it, I’ve paid nearly RM1 million to the government over the past 20 years. Hopefully each contribution helps make life easier for someone else.”
Another commenter pointed out that taxes are simply unavoidable.
“Two things you can’t avoid in life: death and taxes.”
Some also felt the post came across as indirectly revealing how much he earns.
“It kind of sounds like you’re showing off your monthly PCB and telling people you earn six or seven figures a year.”
Meanwhile, others said they wished they earned enough to even pay that much tax.
“I wish I had that kind of money until my tax reaches five digits.”
Others remind him of public services funded by taxes
Several netizens also pointed out that many public services Malaysians rely on are funded through taxes.
These include education, healthcare, road infrastructure, and fuel subsidies.
“Your children go to school using tax money. When your family gets sick and goes to the hospital, it’s funded by tax money. The roads you drive on every day are maintained using tax money.”
The commenter added that as long as taxes are used with integrity, there should not be much issue.
OP says he understands but it still hurts
Responding to the comments, the man reiterated that he fully understands the purpose of taxes and where the money goes.
In fact, he said his own job involves helping patients using services funded by public money.
However, he explained that knowing the benefits does not change how painful it feels when the payment is due.
I know the benefits and where the money goes. But that still doesn’t change the fact that I have to fork out a huge amount from my salary every year to fulfil this obligation. Do you understand?”
Meanwhile, another netizen pointed out that the real frustration for many people may not be taxes themselves, but concerns over corruption and how public funds are managed.
“It’s not paying tax that makes people sad. It’s seeing corruption everywhere and wondering where the money actually goes.”
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