SHAH ALAM, June 22 — Selangor will keep implementing targeted support measures amid global uncertainties to help those who are truly in need, said state executive councillor for rural development and unity Datuk Rizam Ismail.
Addressing the Selangor State Legislative Assembly, he said the RM355.06 million Selangor Resilience Enhancement Package (SREP) demonstrates a commitment to the people as well as businesses amid economic pressures, adding that the measures were made possible through fiscal restructuring and cost-saving initiatives.
Responding to Hulu Kelang assemblyman Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali’s call for blanket assessment rate exemptions for traditional village homes, Rizam said the state does not provide across-the-board relief and instead adopts a targeted approach to assist eligible groups.
“Under Iltizam Pemberdayaan Rakyat Selangor, the state government provides assessment tax exemptions for eligible traditional village homeowners to ease the burden on the targeted groups, subject to conditions set by the state government.
“The eligibility criteria for this tax exemption include being a Malaysian residing in Selangor, being the registered property owner, having a residential property below 2,000sqft (186sqm), applying for only one account or one house, and having a household monthly income of RM5,000 and below.
“At this stage, implementing a targeted assessment tax exemption policy is the best proactive measure to assist those in need. However, the state government remains open to reviewing this (measure),” he said in his wind-up speech on SREP Phase 2 during the assembly sitting here today.
On June 19, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari announced the RM209.26 million SREP Phase 2 to cushion businesses and communities from the impact of global economic uncertainties. It complements initiatives under the RM145.8 million SREP Phase 1.
On concerns over information delivery on state initiatives, Rizam said all 373 Village Community Management Council (JPKK) chairmen and village heads have been appointed as front-line communication agents to ensure grassroots are kept informed.
He added that Selangor is strengthening food security by developing cooperatives-based supply chains, including a pilot production and distribution hub in Sabak Bernam, to improve producer-consumer pipelines and lowering dependence on middlemen.
Rizam also said the initiative could help lower consumer prices and improve returns for farmers, fishermen, and entrepreneurs.
