SIBU: Around RM173.7mil in income tax relief have been claimed for contributions to 99 approved institutions and religious funds over the past 10 years, says Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.

       The Finance Minister in his written reply to Senator Robert Lau Hui Yew at the Senate sitting on Monday (Oct 25) said this relief covered contribution to public universities, school building funds, charity and education funds, general school contribution funds and approved institutions/education bodies.

       The government gives tax relief of up to 10% from the aggregate income of companies and individuals who contribute to bodies, institutions or funds that are approved under subsection 44(6) of the Income Tax Act 1967.

       Lau had asked the minister which economic sector or industry received tax incentives and how much tax relief had been given to education and religious activities.

       "The manufacturing sector contributes the most and received the relevant tax relief under the Income Tax Act," said Tengku Zafrul.