Nine tiers of residential assessment rates to receive reductions between 10 pct and 90 pct
SIBU: The Ministry of Local Government and Community Development has revealed in a circular the nine tiers of annual assessment rates for residential rateable holdings, which would receive between 10 per cent and 90 per cent reductions.
Minister of Local Government and Community Development Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh confirmed the reductions apply for those paying between RM700 and RM50.01 annually, while those who currently paying RM50 and below would have their assessment rates waived.
Sibu Municipal Council chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King said this is another initiative of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem to lighten the burden of the people.
“This is especially timely as we are facing economic uncertainty and rising cost of living,” he said when chairing SMC’s monthly council meeting yesterday.
“The annual assessment rates at RM50 or below will get a 100 per cent reduction, while assessment rates amounting to RM700.01 or above will get zero reduction.”
He said for yearly assessment rates ranging between RM50.01 and RM100 the reduction will be 90 per cent, RM100.01 to RM150 (80 per cent), RM150.01 to RM200 (70 per cent), RM200.01 to RM250 (60 per cent), RM250.01 to RM300 (50 per cent), RM300.01 to RM350 (40 per cent), RM350.01 to RM400 (30 per cent), RM400.01 to RM500 (20 per cent) and RM500.01 to RM700 (10 per cent).
This would mean those payingRM50.01 in assessment rates annually would now only need to pay RM5, while those paying RM100 annually would only need to pay RM10.
For the ninth tier, those paying RM500.01 would receive a RM50 reduction, while those paying RM700 would receive an RM70 reduction.
Tiong said refunds for those who have already settled the full year rates of RM50 and below this year would be made by end of June.
He said the state government has also decided to waive any arrears of assessment rates for residential rateable holdings under the same category.
Meanwhile, he reminded all entertainment and food outlets to obtain a licence from SMC before starting operations.
“I have received reports that some operators have been found to start their businesses without obtaining a valid licence from the council.
“The council will not hesitate to take stern action against those errant operators. We’ll work with other enforcement agencies, including the police, on fur t her ac t ions under relevant laws or regulations,” he said.
In Kuching last night, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, when addressing reporters during a dialogue with the media fraternity at the old State Legislative Assembly (DUN) building, said the government had reduced the residential property assessment rates to help the people cope with the rising cost of living.
He added that the government had calculated the potential loss in revenue, but maintained that it could a f ford the subsidy.
Under the new rates the rate payers would not need to pay anything if their assessment rates were below RM50 the highest discount for those who have to pay is 90 per cent.
When asked whether the reduction in assessment rate would affect the performance of local councils, he replied: “The fact is that most of our councils, especially in the rural areas, are already being subsidised although some of the bigger councils are self- sufficient.