BFM 89.9

HIGHLIGHTS 
Podcast  >  Enterprise  >  P&L  >  Withholding Tax: The What, The Complex, and The Ugly

Withholding Tax: The What, The Complex, and The Ugly

Thanneermalai, Managing Director, Thannees Tax Consulting Services

20-May-24 11:00

Withholding Tax: The What, The Complex, and The Ugly

Why are Malaysian businesses effectively footing the tax bill for foreign players like Facebook and Google when it comes to Withholding tax? We explore this and much more with Thanneermalai, Managing Director of Thannees Tax Consulting Services.

On this edition of P&L, we're zeroing in on Withholding Tax in Malaysia. We'll explore the foundational elements of withholding tax: what it is, why it's important, and its impact on various types of payments, including royalties, technical fees, and contract payments. Thanneermalai will guide us through the standard rates, the calculation methods, and the necessary documentation for compliance.

We’ll also spend time on the intricacies of withholding tax for foreign digital services, such as those provided by Meta and Google, and why their withholding taxes have unfortunately and essentially become a cost of doing business for Malaysia businesses.

We'll also delve into how Malaysia's Double Taxation Agreements affect withholding tax rates and the common interpretational challenges businesses face, especially around the definition of 'royalties.'

Produced by: Roshan Kanesan

Presented by: Roshan Kanesan


This and more than 60,000 other podcasts in your hand. Download the all new BFM mobile app.

Categories:  entrepreneursSMEmarketsCorporatesmanaging

Tags:  foreign digital servicestax billtaxentrepreneurshipbusiness





Play / Pause

Listen now : BFM 89.9 -- The Business Station

Today’s Shows



11:00 AM

Best of Enterprise

(REPEAT) We speak with Nick Ng, Founder and CEO of Hock Kee Kopitiam, about building a modern kopitiam brand rooted in heritage, community, and made-to-order tradition.

12:00 PM

Popcorn Culture

(REPEAT) We review Train Dreams and The Voice of Hind Rajab.

1:00 PM

Cruise Control

(REPEAT) The VW Golf GTI Mk8.5 might sound like an incremental upgrade, but it's worth checking out if you're a fan of the brand. Tune in to hear why.

2:00 PM

Matt-Splained

(REPEAT) In the first part of a series on technologies in ‘26, Rich and Matt take a look at consumer tech, imagine what IRL AI looks like, and advances in energy production.

3:00 PM

Earth Matters

(REPEAT) We find out about a Semai fruit season homestay finally opening to the public, supported by Gerimis Art, sharing forest life, culture, and community-led ecotourism.

4:00 PM

Bar None

(REPEAT) We review the recent Malaysia Open 2026 and look back at our shuttlers' performances throughout 2025.

5:00 PM

BBC World Service

Two women with art galleries in Switzerland, London, Nigeria and the US talk about discovering and promoting new artists, building relationships with art collectors and the importance of supporting women in the art world.