According to Sin Chew Daily, transport minister Loke Siew Fook said that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the finance minister, had instructed Treasury secretary-general Johan Mahmood Merican to send a formal letter to Utar to notify it of the Cabinet’s decision.

“The letter will be published soon, signalling an end to the issue,” Loke was quoted as saying, when asked if there was any truth to a claim that the government had decided to cancel the sum, which was imposed by the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN).

Last week, it was reported that Utar was hit with an RM83 million tax bill, which included fines of up to 45%.

Deputy finance minister Lim Hui Ying had said Utar would be appealing LHDN’s decision to impose outstanding taxes and penalties on its income.