A TOTAL of 609,350 ratepayers in Penang will be benefiting from the state government’s rebate on new assessment rates for this year, paying about the same amount as last year.
State Local Government, Housing & Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) have agreed to reduce the increase for 281,949 and 327,401 ratepayers respectively.
He said the state had decided to revise the rates after going through the required process under the Local Government Act 1976 to hear and consider objections raised by Penangites.
“MBPP and MBSP are now slated to receive RM19.5 million and RM27.8 million respectively after revising the assessment rates for a total revenue of RM47.3 million.
“The earlier proposed increase in assessment rates would have meant MBPP receiving RM54 million and MBSP getting RM39.7 million.
“However, the state understood the plight of the people and therefore decided to give a rebate.
“I sincerely welcome the state government’s initiative to give rebate on assessment rates through the second economic stimulus package of RM76 million. This is to assist the people during these economic uncertainties.
“It will reduce the burden of the people in view with the current Covid-19 pandemic,” he told the public via the Facebook Live session today.
Jagdeep added that out of the total of 649,950 ratepayers in the state, 95,125 (14.64% of total ratepayers) have objected to the proposed assessment rates review while 25,066 (3.86% of the total ratepayers) attended a total of 175 public hearing sessions.
Last year, the state had announced the assessment rate review so that the annual value of properties would be adjusted to reflect the current values while the actual assessment rates would be reduced.
The state felt it was time to adjust the annual value of properties as the last review was done 15 years.
Among the primary reasons for objections received by both city councils are as follows:
1. Economic implications of the Covid-19 pandemic.
2. Increase is too quick, there should be a gradual increase in the rates.
3. General economic instability / political instability / high cost of living.
4. Not working /retired / no fixed source of income.
5. Property not rented out / occupied.
6. Issues with garbage collection / unsatisfactory sanitary services.
7. Single parent / senior citizen.
8. Suffering from medical conditions / disabled.
Jagdeep said he was delighted that a decision was taken to assist the people by giving the rebate after he had submitted a proposal to the state.
“Although the RM47.3 million in assessment rate for this year has not yet been collected by both councils, we will continue with our work to ensure that there is a compliance with all safety measures and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
“Some of our 5,000 frontliners are also on the ground to ensure public health and safety precautions,” he added.
Jagdeep, who is also the Datok Keramat assemblyman, added that the movement control order compliance rate for both city councils was at excellent level while commending his men for doing a great job.
Apart from that, Jagdeep said a further one-off payment of RM500 would be given to 3,103 hawkers at licensed shop lots and 5,666 registered hawkers, bringing the total to RM4.38 million.
Also present during press conference were MBPP mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang and MBSP mayor Datuk Rozali Mohamud.
Ratepayers are expected to receive new assessment bills reflecting the rebate between June or July.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix courtesy of YB Jagdeep’s office