By Geryl Ogilvy
KUCHING, Nov 1: Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong has brushed off rumours that the deadline to apply for refund of excess land premium for all resettlement and village extension schemes in the state has passed.
The Democratic Action Party (DAP) lawmaker said the last day for landowners to submit their application to the Land and Survey Department remains on Oct 31, 2019.
“We have received many enquiries from landowners on the said deadline. We were told that some quarters have been spreading this rumour (to create unrest).
“We have contacted the Land and Survey Department for clarification and the last day to apply and submit the application is no later than Oct 31, next year,” she told a press conference at DAP headquarters here today.
Yong said a total of 7,174 land titles across Sarawak would be affected from the land premium reduction.
The excess refund is only payable to lots belonging to the original landowner with the title and lots transferred to beneficiaries or holder of the Letter of Administration. Refund of excess land premium does not apply to lots transferred by sales and purchase.
The policy introduced by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, to benefit the low income group and assist the people to mitigate the cost of living, will set the government back some RM43 million.
“Those who have paid excess premium in the past are eligible to apply for the refund. The premium has been standardised regardless of land size,” Yong said.
She added that DAP is prepared to assist landowners over the application process.
On another note, Yong said Telekom Malaysia (TM) has agreed to restore its fixed-line service to customers in the Kenyalang Park area and forego the decision to make it compulsory for all customers in the area to shift to its Unifi service.
According to her, several complaints were received from residents after TM discontinued its fixed-line service due to constant cable theft in the area.
“Many of the customers were not happy with the decision. I met with TM representatives to discuss the issue and appealed for the continuation of the service.
“This is considering that many of the residents in Kenyalang Park are the elderly, senior citizens and the fixed-line is more important to them as opposed to Internet services. After our meeting, TM agreed to restore the service,” she said.
Yong advised affected residents to contact her personally if they need assistance with the line restoration application process. — DayakDaily
