By: Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
IPOH – The Ipoh City Council (MBI) is implementing the New Assessment List, covering property taxes for all holdings within the city’s jurisdiction, in line with the Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171) which requires local authorities to update valuation lists every five years.
Ipoh Mayor, Datuk Rumaizi Baharin, stated that the new assessment list had received approval from the Perak State Authority through the Perak State Executive Council (MMK) meeting in September 2024.
“This effort encompasses the entire administration area of 643.24 square kilometres, covering Mukim Hulu Kinta, part of Mukim Sungai Raya, and part of Mukim Sungai Terap.
“The revaluation aims to ensure the property taxes imposed are more relevant and reflect current market values. The existing Assessment List is based on 1982 values, which no longer represent today’s market conditions. This reassessment will provide property owners with a more accurate view of their property’s current value as the basis for tax calculation,” he explained.
According to Rumaizi, the update will also allow MBI to collect up-to-date information on property ownership, lot divisions, and current property uses, which are crucial for property tax account records.
Starting in October 2024, MBI has distributed 319,758 New Assessment Notices, covering residential, commercial, industrial, vacant land, and village areas, either through physical distribution or by post.
However, the issuance of these notices has raised concerns among residents worried about potential tax increases amid challenging economic times.
“MBI understands these concerns and has been providing clarifications through the ‘Hari Bersama MBI’ Program, which includes a New Assessment List review counter at MBI’s Main Headquarters Building, available from October 24 to December 2024, for property owners to review their assessment.
“The council also opens a formal avenue for owners to file appeals if dissatisfied with the new valuations. Appeal hearings will be conducted in phases, starting at the end of 2024 and continuing with a second phase in 2025. Those who file appeals will be contacted by official letter to attend these hearings.
“Property owners who have yet to receive their New Assessment Notice or cannot attend today’s session may still review and print notices at the MBI headquarters lobby in Greentown during business days until December 5. Tax assessment appeals can be submitted to MBI by November 22, 2024, at the latest,” he stated.
