Ratepayers want better service following tax hike
THE property valuation exercise ongoing at Selangor local authorities is needed to improve services, say several ratepayers.

Those StarMetro spoke to said that while administrative costs had increased, the assessment rates had remained the same for more than 20 years.

Several municipalities and a city council had announced a property valuation exercise that could see hikes in assessment tax.

This includes Ampang Jaya, Selayang, Kajang and Kuala Langat municipal councils as well as Shah Alam City Council (MBSA).

In Ampang Jaya, Taman Nirwana resident M. Thomas said a re-evaluation of property value was long overdue as it was last carried out in 1997.

“For my property, the increase is only about RM50 per term, which is a reasonable amount.

“The market value of properties have gone up, especially commercial buildings,” he said. Thomas feels the property valuation exercise in Ampang Jaya is justified.

Thomas, who is Ampang Jaya People’s Consultative Council advisor, said the increased revenue could go towards improved facilities and maintenance.

“Each time we make a report about a defect or suggest an improvement for the neighbourhood it is delayed because of budget constraints.

“There are also facilities and old infrastructure that can be upgraded with the extra revenue,” he said.

Pandan Indah resident C.K. Tong hoped that the increase would result in improved services by Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ).

“If we are required to pay extra, it is only fair that we receive better services and improved facilities.

“We expect more efficient waste collection, better road maintenance and enhanced public amenities in return for the increased rates.”

MPAJ started issuing notices of assessment tax rate changes on April 23.

Property owners have until May 31 to appeal if they are dissatisfied with the new tax rates.

The ongoing revaluation exercise will involve some 180,000 properties and the new rates will be effective in 2025 if approved by the state government.

The increase is expected to add RM14mil to MPAJ’s coffers, on top of its current annual collection of RM85mil.

The council’s property revaluation exercise will be capped at 25% for unmodified properties.

StarMetro had reported on the issue several times, including on May 11, “Ampang Jaya assessment hike a further burden” in which Pandan Perdana residents expressed shock at the increase.

A Shah Alam resident who only wanted to be known as Santhia, felt that the hike was reasonable.

“They (MBSA) have capped it at a maximum of 25%.

“Based on the notice, MBSA is also reducing the tax percentage,” she said.

MBSA’s new rates for residential properties will be 3.25% (from 4%), commercial (6.75% from 7%) and industrial (7.00% from 7.5%), while the rate for agricultural remains at 1%.

Ratepayers in Kuala Langat have until June 25 to submit their objections against the proposed rates.

The last revision was done in 1987.

Kuala Langat Municipal Council (MPKL) had also lowered the tax rates to 3% for residential properties and 4% for commercial properties.

The previous rates ranged from 5.5% to 14%.

Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) carried out its property valuation exercise last year.

MPKj announced an increase in assessment tax for property owners by 20% to 30%, based on 2020 valuations.

The last revision was in 1985.

To cushion the impact of the hike, the assessment tax is being implemented in two phases.

Kajang ratepayers will pay 50% this year, and the full rate in 2025.
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THE property valuation exercise ongoing at Selangor local authorities is needed to improve services, say several ratepayers.