By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 7: Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong has rejected Kuching South City Council’s (MBKS) explanation over the steep increase in Sungai Apong assessment rates, arguing that no amount of property extensions or renovations can justify bills jumping almost fourfold overnight.
“Residents who used to pay RM304 annually are now forced to pay RM1,203 this year. That is nearly a fourfold increase.
“Even if there were changes to the houses, such an astronomical jump is completely unjustifiable,” she said in a statement today.
Her remarks came a day after MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng explained that the higher rates stemmed from a lawful reassessment exercise, which factored in structural modifications such as car porch extensions, wall-ups and rebuilding works.
Yong, however, described such reasoning as “insulting to people’s intelligence”.
“To now suggest that residents brought this upon themselves because of minor renovations is insensitive and disregards the struggles of ordinary families,” she stressed.
She also questioned MBKS’ commitment to transparency, saying residents were not properly informed or consulted before being “slapped with such outrageous bills”.
“When Sarawak is so rich, boasting billions in reserves and new revenue streams, why must ordinary ratepayers be squeezed with a fourfold hike while basic services remain unimproved?” she argued.
On Wee’s accusation that she had confused the public, Yong said: “The residents themselves received the bills. They know exactly how much more they are being asked to pay. The only confusion comes from MBKS’ excuses and attempts to spin the issue.”
Yong demanded that MBKS review the hikes immediately, stressing that Sungai Apong residents “are not fools” and will not accept being unfairly burdened. – DayakDaily
