By Zaki Salleh
IPOH: The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) has urged all Local Authorities (PBT) to conduct a reassessment of property tax with the welfare of the people in mind.
Its Minister, Nga Kor Ming, said that tax increases should not be implemented abruptly as it could burden the public.
“Therefore, the government suggests that tax hikes be carried out gradually, taking into account the current inflation rate, such as an increase of only 2 to 5 percent every two years.
“This approach has been successful in Penang, where small but consistent increases have been well-received by the public. I believe Ipoh can also study and adopt a similar approach so that the people are not burdened,” he said in a statement.
Kor Ming, who is also the Member of Parliament for Teluk Intan, previously commented on media reports last week regarding the protests from Ipoh residents against the new property tax rate of nine percent, which will be implemented by the Ipoh City Council (MBI), and was recently raised in the Local Government National Council.
“The government’s policy is clear, this is a government by the people, for the people. All objections and feedback will be reviewed to ensure that the decisions made are fair,” he added.
Ipoh Mayor, Datuk Rumaizi Baharin, previously informed that the decision to maintain or reduce the new tax rate imposed by MBI would depend on the objections raised by the residents of Ipoh.
As a result, the Ipoh Tax Protest Action Committee has received and submitted over 3,000 objection letters from residents of the city who disagree with the new rate.
(Source: Media Suara Keadilan)
