THERE is a re-evaluation of properties or assets by local councils in Selangor. Some local councils started the exercise in 2022.
The authorities claimed the last re-evaluation was done more than 10 years ago, and in line with their standard procedures, a re-evaluation based on current values of the properties was due.
I received the notice on assessment increase on June 13, and I need to submit my comments by July 4. This is a very short notice and unfair to residents.
I live in Petaling Jaya and my house, which was bought at around RM100,000 more than 40 years ago, is now valued above RM1 million.
Owners of houses in Petaling Jaya built more than four decades ago are mostly retired, surviving on their pensions or Employees Provident Fund contributions.
Any increase in mandatory rates would be a burden.
The councils should instead reduce their burden. It is not their fault that their properties' value has appreciated over the years.
Bear in mind most owners are occupants and they do not rent out the house.
We understand the local councils' need to collect assessments to finance maintenance of infrastructure and services.
Isn't it better to have a fixed rate on the assessment?
Different councils charge different rates for their assessment collections, ranging from two to eight per cent.
Maybe the councils should come out with a new system of calculating the assessment by taking into consideration the age of the properties and owner occupancy.
The councils could still maintain their re-evaluation of properties, but they should charge a fixed rate for assessment, say four per cent.
Then for properties more than 20 years old, a discount of 20 per cent is given for the assessment; 40 per cent discount for properties more than 40 years; and 50 per cent discount for properties above 50 years.
This kind of assessment mechanism will be more friendly to residents.
S.K. WONG
Petaling Jaya, Selangor
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times
