On 28 August 2026, the DGT issued a warning on criminal penalties for stamp duty (meterai) violations, referencing Law No. 10 of 2020 on Stamp Duty and its implementing regulations. The article details offenses including reuse of meterai, counterfeiting, and failure to affix meterai on documents subject to duty. Penalties range from fines of 200% of the duty value to imprisonment up to five years. The DGT highlights recent enforcement actions where businesses faced prosecution for systematic meterai evasion in high-value contracts.
Key Takeaways
- Strict Liability: Both parties to a document are jointly responsible for ensuring correct meterai affixation.
- Digital Meterai (e-Meterai): The DGT mandates e-Meterai for electronic documents, providing traceability and reducing physical stamp fraud.
- Whistleblower Incentives: Informants reporting meterai violations may receive rewards up to 10% of recovered duties.
Disclaimer: This article is compiled and summarized by the AI based on publicly available information and is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute any form of formal tax advice, legal opinion, or basis for performance. Please consult a qualified professional tax advisor or legal counsel for tax advice.
Source: Read Official Announcement