By Sofia Nasir
SHAH ALAM, Sept 5 — Selangor is considering emulating Johor by implementing an automatic assessment tax increase every five years, with rates based on economic factors and people’s affordability.
State executive councillor for local government Dato’ Ng Suee Lim said that while the Local Government Act 1976 allows rates to be reviewed every five years, the state government has not implemented a hike in decades.
He stressed the need to reassess the rates to ensure effective urban planning and better comfort for residents, amid the rising costs of property management.
“In Selangor, there are local councils that have not reviewed their rates for close to 40 years, like the Kajang Municipal Council (39 years) and the Kuala Langat Municipal Council (37 years).
“Many do not know that the law allows the tax to be reviewed every five years, but local councils have not done that. This is not a healthy development,” Ng said to Media Selangor.
The adjustment of assessment tax is expected to take effect next year, once the evaluation process is completed, using a method that will not burden the public.
“Some may say not to burden the people, but at the same time, we cannot be populist. We need to balance it with current developments.
“I believe the public will understand that this increase is for the sake of better services,” he said.
Previously, on May 30, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said the evaluation of assessment tax rates conducted by local authorities is crucial to ensure effective urban planning and to develop future strategies.
He added that low-cost houses will not be taxed despite receiving notices, clarifying that the purpose is to assess the value and quality of the municipality in each area.
