By Selangor Journal Team
SHAH ALAM, Dec 9 – The recently announced assessment rate hike is needed to maintain the state’s infrastructure and guarantee Selangor residents’ well-being.
State executive councillor for tourism and local government Dato’ Ng Suee Lim said maintenance includes ensuring safe roads, bright street lights, on-time waste collection, and clean and attractive parks.
“As a rapidly growing state, Selangor provides various public amenities, including roads, street lights, gardens, recreational parks, solid waste management, and public cleaning services.
“All of these facilities require significant maintenance expenses, and this is where the assessment rate comes into play.
“Every ringgit we contribute goes back to services that help keep our neighbourhoods comfortable, clean, and safe,” he said in a short video explainer.
Ng said that due to high maintenance costs, the state government decided to revise the assessment rate, effective January 1.
He added that the decision was not an easy one, as it presents financial impact on the public as the hike would be up to 25 per cent.
Ng explained that those facing a 100 per cent hike are eligible for a discount of up to 75 per cent, while low-cost housing units are exempt from the tax.
Earlier today, he announced that assessment rates will be hiked by 25 per cent from January 1.
He said property owners will receive discounts of up to 75 per cent under the new rate, compared with the 100 per cent rise that was supposed to be enforced.
He added that the discount will last five years, with increased allocations of RM355 million to all local councils.
Prior to the adjusted rates, it was reported that eight local councils had not reviewed their assessment rates in the past 20 to 40 years.
Based on provisions under the Local Government Act 1976, reviews can be done every five years or during an extended period as decided by the state administration.
