Penang to consider a reduction in assessment rates for some properties
Following many criticisms from the opposition and residents, the Penang government are considering to revise the assessment rates of some properties affected by the latest review.
State executive councillor Jagdeep Singh Deo said the government would review all appeals and revise the rates for some properties.
"All residents have the right to be heard after they make their objections. So, I'm certain there will be a reduction in some categories...
Following many criticisms from the opposition and residents, the Penang government are considering to revise the assessment rates of some properties affected by the latest review.
State executive councillor Jagdeep Singh Deo said the government would review all appeals and revise the rates for some properties.
"All residents have the right to be heard after they make their objections. So, I'm certain there will be a reduction in some categories.
"We hope the new rates will be applicable by January 2020," he said at a press conference in George Town today.
Jagdeep reminded that Penang's assessment rates are the lowest compared with other states.
"Remember, other local authorities will also be reviewing their rates, and it will be higher than what we have in Penang even after revising our rates," he claimed.
On Sept 13, Jagdeep announced the hike in assessment rates of between 40 percent to 98 percent, saying the rates were not reviewed for 15 years since 2005.
He said that according to council laws, the rates were supposed to be reviewed every five years to meet the rising cost of providing quality and effective services and social amenities to the people. This was in line with the Penang 2030 vision, which prioritises family and sustainable environment.
Jaideep noted that the hike in assessment rates are bound to affect some 322,549 properties on the island and another 327,401 in Seberang Perai.
Residents have until Oct 14 to make their appeals and public information counters in several locations have been opened to deal with grievances over the matter.
At the same event, Penang Chinese Chambers of Commerce president Hong Yeam Wah lamented that while he acknowledged that the hike in assessment rate was unavoidable, the "timing was bad".
Hong urged the state to reconsider the situation of weaker companies before increasing the assessment rates.
He recalled that the previous hike in 2005 also came at a bad time.
"We understand a hike is unavoidable, but we are concerned that the timing is not right. We also want the rates to be reviewed based on our economic environment," Hong told reporters at the Chamber's office.
"We hope the revision of the assessment rate can be done gradually and not all at once," he added.
Also present with Jagdeep at the press meeting was Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Yew Tung Seang.
Meanwhile, Yew said the council had lodged a police report and action will be taken against illegal quarrying activities in Teluk Bahang.
"We are working with the police on the matter. The police are conducting their own investigation," he added.
