Malaysian celebrity Nora Danish recently suggested for artistes to be given tax exemptions to remain attractive as it is part of their line of work.
The star had reportedly told Utusan Malaysia, “For me, as a Malaysian, it is my responsibility to pay taxes. What I do hope for is some exemption for celebrities. It’s just that we are currently forking out money to upkeep our appearances. As it is part of our job, it should be included as our occupational cost.”
Malaysians were enraged by Nora’s comments.
Facebook user, Ashley Greig-Momin shared a public post on the matter. Part of her comments include:
“How about educators (lecturers and teachers) who rely on their brains to keep their jobs? Shouldn’t they be given tax exemptions, too? How about doctors who rely on their experience to keep their jobs? Shouldn’t they be given tax exemptions, too? How about the factory workers who rely on their hands to keep their jobs? Shouldn’t they be given tax exemptions, too?”
One social media user shared her statement: “Beauty doesn’t always come with brain, while another noted, “Wow!! I only though that Hollywood is the only place that produces air-headed celebrity.”
Nora’s response to the outrage of netizens is a simple, “Regarding the LHDN issue, even when I have not done anything wrong, I receive backlash for it. This must’ve been a misinterpretation of my words. It’s alright. I’m on my way home (from Korea). I will check who has been sensationalising this piece of news.”
It is no doubt true that the increase in taxes has affected many Malaysians. Nora’s request for the tax exemption to keep up appearances might sound absurd to some, if not most. However, that just goes to show that everybody is affected by the rise of cost of living, regardless of whether they are a celebrity, teacher, doctor or student.
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Feature Image Credit: Nora Danish
