KUALA LUMPUR – Residents in Selayang have expressed their frustration over the impending introduction of a higher assessment tax by the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS), while the roads in the area continue to be in a poor state.
The tax, set to be implemented by MPS next year, is expected to rise by around four times, prompting angry responses from those living in the district.
For example, a household that used to pay RM156.50 annually in previous years would see that figure spike to RM660 when the new rates apply.
It is understood that there have been no revisions to the assessment tax rate since 1992.
On April 1 this year, MPS issued a new valuation list notice to 222,000 landholding owners under its jurisdiction, per Section 141 of the Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171).
The council’s administrative area spans 545.6 sq km, encompassing three sub-districts: Rawang, Batu, and Setapak.
Speaking to Scoop, Selayang MP William Leong disclosed that 44,029 out of the 222,000 households have objected to the tax increase based on the feedback received by MPS up to May 31.
Leong also mentioned that he has raised the issue of the poor road conditions with the Selangor state government.
In 2018, it was reported that the Selangor state government allocated RM25.5 million to widen roads across Kampung Bendahara, Selayang Mutiara, and Ulu Yam, converting them into two-lane junctions. This project was completed in 2020.
“I don’t think those who didn’t vote for the objection necessarily agree with the increase. They may not be aware of what the problem and issue are all about.
“The problem is there has been no increase in the last 30 years. However, the proposed increase is too high and too sudden. Furthermore, the number of residents has increased, hence the cost of providing services has also increased.
“A reasonable increase has to be considered by MPS, as many residents are also frustrated about why they should pay the increased tax when basic matters such as the roads in Selayang are in bad condition.
“But on my part, I have also addressed this issue with MPS, and they are taking action to maintain the roads. The state government is also addressing the problem, and we have all been working together.
“The residents can and should also file reports to the state Public Works Department so they can follow up if repairs are not done,” Leong said when contacted.
In May this year, it was reported that MPS reduced assessment tax rates for all property types as part of its assessment revision process.
For residential properties, the current tax rate is 5% of the property valuation, down from the previous 8.6%.
For commercial properties, the rate is at 6%, compared to the previous 10.8%.
In addition to MPS, seven other local councils (Kajang, Kuala Langat, Subang Jaya, Ampang Jaya, Kuala Selangor, Hulu Selangor, and Shah Alam) have not reviewed their tax rates in 20 to 40 years.
On May 30, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said that the new valuation process undertaken by local authorities is crucial for effective urban planning. – August 2, 2024