The state government has cancelled the implementation of the Business and Industrial Trades 2017 By-Law (UUK Tred 2017) with immediate effect. This action puts an end to speculation that business licensing fees, imposed by local councils, would increase many folds.
Executive Councillor for Housing, Local Government, Public Transport, Non-Muslim Affairs and New Village, Paul Yong Choo Kiong said the decision was taken based on feedback from the public and the business community. They were worried that it would impact living costs presently.
According to Paul, the increase could be anything between 100 to 400 per cent.
“After considering all aspects, the state government decided to abolish the by-law thus providing a timely reprieve for all 15 local councils,” he told reporters during a media conference on March 21 at the State Secretariat Building, Ipoh.
“The state will fall back on the previous by-law passed in 1989.”
The 2017 by-law was approved by the previous BN government. Its objective was to standardise licensing requirements and help improve the administration of local councils.
“We should rather find ways to raise the councils’ revenues instead of raising charges or taxes.
This is in line with Pakatan Harapan’s manifesto made in the run-up to GE14,” he remarked.
All 15 local councils are required to make the necessary adjustments in their licencing-fee collection for next year.
Luqman Hakim
