THE Penang government has announced its decision to continue giving rebates on assessment rates this year.
State Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said the decision was made to alleviate the financial burden of the people which is caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We have announced the same decision in May last year and we are doing it again this year.
“The rebates will benefit 649,950 ratepayers in Penang; both on the island and the mainland.
“A full (100%) assessment rebate will be given to low-cost, low medium-cost and village house owners this year.
“A 50% rebate will be given to owners in other categories,” Jagdeep told a press conference at the Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB) office in Jalan Macalister today.
Also present was Jelutong MP R.S.N. Rayer.
According to Jagdeep, the total assessment rebate to be given by both local councils namely Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) for the year 2021 is almost RM25 million.
“For MBPP, the total rebate given for 2021 is RM10,297,993.98 while MBSP is RM14,246,852.20.
“This huge amount of rebates proves that the Penang government cares for the people especially during trying times.
“MBPP and MBSP will continue to focus on improving the core services, especially in terms of waste collection and public cleaning services.
“Most importantly, the councils strive to ensure SOPs are complied in all public facilities.
“The local councils will continue to provide the best service as well as continue the development agenda in Penang,” he added.
Speaking on another issue, Jagdeep said the high number of Covid-19 cases reported in Penang yesterday (Jan 1) was due to the ongoing Covid-19 tests on foreign workers.
“The screening on workers from the construction and manufacturing sectors is the reason Penang reported 226 new cases on Jan 1.
“From 226 cases yesterday, 110 were foreign workers.
“Thus, I want to urge all Penangites to be vigilant and do not take Covid-19 pandemic for granted.
“Until the Covid-19 vaccine arrives in Penang, the only vaccine we have is our compliance with the SOPs.
“So until then, we must wear a face mask whenever we are outdoor and practise physical distancing to curb the spread of the virus,” he added.
Earlier, Jagdeep presented a RM100 voucher to each of the 200 needy students for a back-to-school programme that was sponsored by Malaysian Hindudharma Mamandram (Penang branch).
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi