By Siti Rohaizah Zainal
KLANG, June 18 — Sentosa state assemblyman G Gunaraj has taken a hands-on approach to meeting the public to explain the increase in assessment tax rates starting from January 1 next year.
He said it is necessary for residents to understand that the decision to raise the assessment tax is aimed at ensuring the Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) can provide the best services in the future.
“In addition to meeting residents, I was also invited to attend a briefing on the assessment tax two days ago and to discuss with MBDK what needs to be done to provide the best services.
“If the assessment tax is increased, there must be improvements in services, not a decline. Therefore, I informed them that the emphasis is on waste management and flood issues.
“Residents will accept a slight increase if MBDK provides the best services and improves public facilities,” he said after officiating the Clean and Green campaign on Sunday (June 16).
Meanwhile, Gunaraj said residents can file their objections by sending letters to MBDK.
“Residents have the right to object by writing letters to the local authority. They will be called to a meeting to be held on a set date,” he said.
Currently in Selangor, eight local authorities have not reviewed their assessment tax rates in the past 20 to 40 years.
The Kajang Municipal Council has not increased the rate for the longest period, 39 years since 1985, followed by the Kuala Langat Municipal Council for 37 years since 1987, and the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) for 32 years since 1992.
The Subang Jaya City Council has not increased the assessment tax for the Subang Jaya and Bandar Sunway areas for 32 years since 1992, while the USJ, Puchong, Seri Kembangan, and Serdang areas have not seen an increase for 28 years since 1996.
The Ampang Jaya Municipal Council and the Kuala Selangor Municipal Council have not increased rates for 27 years since 1997, while the Hulu Selangor Municipal Council has not done so for 28 years since 1996.
The Shah Alam City Council has not imposed any increase in the assessment tax for 18 years since 2006.
According to the Local Government Act 1976's provisions, new valuations can be made every five years or within an extended period, to be decided by the state government.
Although proposals to review the assessment tax rates have been made, property owners can file objections to their respective local authorities on the set dates.
On May 30, Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari said the new valuation process carried out by the local authorities is important in ensuring effective urban planning.
Emphasising that low-cost houses will not be subject to increases despite receiving the notice, he said the review aims to understand the value and quality of urban development in an area.
The state administration will also consider various factors before granting permission to the local authorities to implement or deny the increase.
