By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Sept 6: The recent increase in assessment rates for residential properties in Sungai Apong, including Jalan Noakes, is not arbitrary but stems from a lawful property reassessment exercise, with revised rates factoring in changes to property size and structure such as car porch extensions, kitchen wall-ups, or rebuilding works.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the exercise was conducted in line with statutory requirements and reflected actual modifications made to houses over the years.
“I met with some residents yesterday (Sept 5) to listen to their concerns. Most of the issues they raised, we understood and acknowledged, and we will actively follow up to assist them,” he said during his ShallWeeTalk live session today.
Wee was responding to a social media post by Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong, who highlighted complaints from residents about higher assessment bills.
“The Council wishes to stress the importance of verifying facts with us before making public statements. This is not the first time inaccurate or misleading information has been circulated by ADUN Pending. I believe it’s important to understand the whole situation, not blow things out of proportion or spread unfair criticism of the Council,” he said.
He recalled past instances where Yong had made remarks without first checking with the authorities, including a post on a medical case at the Sarawak Heart Centre which turned out to be inaccurate and created unnecessary public confusion.
“As the elected representative for the area, ADUN Pending carries the responsibility to ensure information is correct before commenting publicly, rather than casting blame on the Council or its officers who are simply performing their statutory duties,” he added.
To date, MBKS has revised more than 30 assessment bills with some increasing and others decreasing depending on whether renovations or demolitions altered the total floor area of properties.
“Every few years, the Council conducts reassessments. If you extend your house, the new structures are included in the property assessment. Even if the extensions are not fully approved, they are still considered when calculating rates. This doesn’t mean your illegal extensions are automatically legalized, but they are reflected in the reassessment,” he clarified.
He urged property owners to approach MBKS directly for clarification, assuring that the Council values transparency and is committed to helping residents understand the reassessment process.
“Of course, we understand residents may face difficulties or confusion, and that is why I met them yesterday. We listened to their concerns, explained the reasons, and showed them how to reach the relevant officers for follow-up. That is what we should do, to facilitate communication and resolve issues rather than fuel unnecessary fears or create hostility,” he said.
Wee further affirmed that MBKS will ensure complaints are channelled to the right divisions for follow-up and reporting.
“That has always been my way of working. We are on the ground, and we will try our best to solve problems. The goal of governance is for residents to feel safe, reassured, and able to communicate openly with the city council. Only then can the city move forward. Problems will always exist and they can never be completely solved but we will do as much as we can,” he concluded. — DayakDaily
