Employers! This is a post for you. In case you didn’t know, improving the ventilation system at the workplace could help you save money? In a tweet on February 11, 2022, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin declared that businesses that upgrade their office ventilation systems qualify for tax relief under Budget 2022. The government extended the eligible period for tax relief to cover the cost of renovating and repairing commercial premises to meet ventilation and client seating criteria until December 31, 2022, in November of last year. The Malaysian government will grant tax credit of up to RM300,000 on business premises renovation and refurbishment charges incurred between March 1, 2020, and December 31, 2022.
If you didn’t already know, good ventilation is critical in the workplace. Ventilation in the workplace helps to control exposure to airborne contaminants. Ventilation removes contaminants such as fumes, dust and vapour, and as a result can offer a healthy and safe working environment. Poor workplace ventilation systems can endanger the safety and health of employees and clients that visit the company.
Workplace ventilation can have both beneficial and adverse effects on building occupants. Proper ventilation systems promote productive workplaces by helping employees to stay alert, efficient, and focused on their jobs. On the other hand, poor ventilation systems might lead to potential health issues, which consequently results in lost production and increased absenteeism.
Benefits of good workplace ventilation systems
- Eliminate pollutants, bacteria, dampness, and unpleasant odours, including body odours, which can help to minimise the transmission of airborne viruses
- Control the movement of air into and out of the building or workplace to regulate airflow.
- Maintain humidity and decrease moisture to reduce mould growth in the workplace
Impacts of poor workplace ventilation systems
- Fatigue
- Dizziness or headaches
- Respiratory infection, shortness of breath, coughing, and sneezing
- Inflammation and allergies
- Dry or irritated throat, eyes, nose, as well as skin
What documentation is necessary for this tax deduction?
Employers must preserve all supporting documentation for deduction claims. These documents will be utilised for auditing and when the IRBM requires them. The following are among the supporting documents:
- Business Registration Certificate
- Proof of ownership of business premises or a valid rental agreement between the tenant and the landlord/lessor
- Invoices and receipts for associated R&R spending
- External auditors’ certified confirmation of R&R expenditures
Not sure how to apply for this tax deduction? Find out how you can claim this in three easy steps
- Contact our Indoor Hygiene Experts at 1 800 88 7900 for guidance on how to optimise your workplace’s ventilation systems.
- Keep your receipts after making your purchases to aid in your claims with hasil.gov.my. We strongly advise you to follow the terms and conditions mentioned on the website.
- Visit hasil.gov.my to apply for a tax exemption.
In conclusion, ventilation is undoubtedly an important aspect that employers need to upkeep in an organisation. The air we breathe is essential, and everyone has the right to breathing safe and clean air. Employers can improve employee comfort, productivity, reduce absenteeism, save energy, and control humidity using optimum ventilation. These advantages can subsequently assist you in improving many elements of your organisation. Don’t hesitate to contact us to see whether your ventilation system is operating at peak efficiency.
Are you curious about how you can improve ventilation and indoor air quality in the workplace? Stay tuned for our next post!
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Online, T. S. (2022, February 11). Covid-19: Improve office ventilation and get a tax deduction, Khairy tells employers. The Star. Retrieved May 31, 2022, from https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/02/11/covid-19-improve-office-ventilation-and-get-a-tax-deduction-khairy-tells-employers
