KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 12 (Bernama) -- Taxpayers in Malaysia have expressed the highest level of confidence in the accountancy profession of any country surveyed globally, with 79% citing professional accountants as a trusted source of tax information.
 
This figure places Malaysia well ahead of the global average and top of the rankings among the 29 countries surveyed in ‘Public Trust in Tax 2025: Asia and Beyond’, a major new report by ACCA, IFAC, CA ANZ, and the OECD.
 
The survey, which canvassed over 12,000 respondents, reveals that while trust in tax systems is fragile globally, Malaysian respondents are comparatively resilient. 52% of Malaysians believe their tax system is equitable, and a matching 52% agree that tax revenues are effectively spent for the public good – outperforming average sentiment in Western Europe (where only 30% agree funds are spent for public good).
 
How Malaysia Compares in ASEAN Malaysia’s results paint a picture of a nation that is performing robustly against its South-East Asian neighbours. While trust in accountants is high across the region, Malaysia’s 79% net trust score leads the pack, signalling a unique reliance on professional advice in the Malaysian market.
 
While corruption remains a significant hurdle, fewer Malaysians cite it as a “major factor” affecting their tax views compared to key neighbours. 63% of Malaysians listed corruption as a major factor, which, while high, is notably lower than Indonesia (81%) and the Philippines (84%). However, Malaysia still trails Singapore, where only 54% cited it as a major factor.
 
Malaysian sentiment aligns with the broader South-East Asian trend of viewing tax authorities as service providers. 52% of Malaysians view the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (LHDN) as having a balanced role (support vs. enforcement), contrasting with other markets where the taxman is viewed primarily as an enforcer.
 
The survey highlights that Malaysia’s high internet penetration (98% among respondents) has correlated with a positive reception of digital tax services. The efficiency of digital filing was cited as a key driver of trust, with Malaysians largely embracing LHDN's digital transformation efforts.
 
Andrew Lim, Portfolio Head, ACCA Maritime South-East Asia, said: “Malaysia sits in a unique spot within ASEAN – trust in professionals is world-leading, yet corruption concerns remain higher than in our neighbour Singapore. To bridge this gap, the accountant’s role is critical. As the ecosystem’s most trusted voice, we must lead the charge on reforms like e-Invoicing, ensuring public confidence translates into sustainable economic growth.”
 
Helen Brand OBE, Chief Executive of ACCA, said: “Asia’s strong public trust in taxation offers valuable lessons for the world. People here see tax as a contribution to the community, not just a cost, but that trust can’t be taken for granted. Transparency, fairness, and visible returns for taxpayers are what sustain confidence in the fiscal contract over the long run.”
 
Read the full report here.
 
Source: ACCA

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--BERNAMA