Waiver, discount for local council annual assessment rate

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Penguang (fourth right) receives a memento from Zee Yeng (fifth left) as Huang (second right), Antonio (third right), Sait (fourth left) and others look on.

SARIKEI: Annual assessment rate below RM50 has been waivered while those above RM50 would get a discount starting this year, says Assistant Minister of Local Government and Housing, Datu Dr Penguang Manggil

He said this is one of the incentives from Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) state government to improve local council services during Sarikei District Council (SDC) Appreciation Night here last Friday.

This initiative would cost local councils RM27 million in annual revenue which would be compensated by the state government with a one-off annual grant. He disclosed that SDC would receive RM4 million.

Penguang went on to share that the state government is lightening the burden of local councils by taking over solid waste management and effective January this year, all allowances and wages of councilors would be paid by the state government.

He reminded councilors and SDC staff of their important roles as front liners in the administration.

“Unlike in the past, the role of councilors involve formulating policies and solutions to address problems faced by the people; efficient implementation of development projects and programmes,” he stressed.

Repok Assemblyman, Dato Sri huang Tiong Sii who also spoke commended the councilors and SDC staff for the successful implementation of 46 RTP projects last year and hoped they would keep up the good work to ensure the local community enjoy optimum benefits from efforts of GPS government.

Several staff and councilors were rewarded for their excellent performance while those retiring or transferred received souvenirs and certificates of appreciation during the function.

Also present were permanent secretary to Local Government Ministry Datu Antonio Kahti Galis, SDC chairperson Wong Zee Yeng and secretary Sait Enggang.