KUCHING, Dec 23: Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) will not increase the assessment rates for private properties in 2020 as directed by the Federal Housing and Local Government Ministry.
MPP chairman Lo Khere Chiang said in no uncertain terms would there would be any increase in assessment rates for private property owners within its jurisdiction next year, giving two reasons for the decision.
“Under the Local Authorities Ordinance 1996, only the Majlis Mesyuarat Kerajaan Negeri (MMKN) can decide on revaluation of properties for rating purposes,” he said in a press statement today.
Secondly, he added that while the Sarawak government decided against increasing assessment rates for private property, it had made the decision to re-evaluate assessment rates for government properties in 2020.
“The Sarawak State Government shall only conduct the revaluation of exercise for government properties in 2020,” said Lo who is Batu Kitang assemblyman.
Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin had on Dec 20 announced that assessment fees by local councils nationwide would be reviewed next year.
Zuraida said the directive had been issued to all local councils.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian had on Dec 14 announced that the Sarawak government would re-evaluate the assessment rates for all government buildings which is expected to rake in RM20 million of revenue for local councils.—DayakDaily
