The government may be forced to introduce new taxes on top of refining the existing Sales and Service Tax, said Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

"Previously, we did not implement this tax system properly and many quarters had escaped from paying tax.

"We will improve this. We will also strengthen the Inland Revenue Board and may be forced to introduce new taxes that will not burden the people," Mahathir told a press conference after launching the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 in Kuala Lumpur today.

He was responding to reporters' questions on what would be the government's means to increase its tax revenue and enhance the tax system as stated in SPV2030.