Penang rates hike ‘marginal’

GEORGE TOWN: Penangites will have to pay more in assessment next year.

State Local Government, Traffic Management and Flood Mitigation Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow (pic) said an increase of between 0.5% and 4.45% would be imposed by the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) and Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP).

“We’ve not increased the rates since 2005.

“Many local councils in the country have revised their valuation lists and imposed higher rates this year.

“We have been receiving requests for an increase since 2009. We only approved a marginal increase after a lengthy discussion with the two councils because we don’t want to burden the ratepayers,” he said during a press conference yesterday.

He added that the increase would bring in additional revenue which was necessary to meet higher operational costs, provide better services to the people and improve basic amenities in the state.

MPSP president Datuk Maimunah Mohd Sharif said the new rates would help boost income by RM20.49mil next year.

“Currently, our income from assessment rates is RM137.7mil,” she said.

Maimunah said the rates for kampung houses and property owned by societies or associations would remain the same.

“For low-cost flats and houses under the Kilat scheme, the rate will be 0.5% more.

“For landed property, flats (excluding low-cost flats) and development land, the hike is 1%, while commercial, light industry and agro-based industry property will be 1.25% more. The three golf courses on the mainland will have to pay 4.35% more,” she said.

MPPP secretary Ang Aing Thye said there would be no hike in the assessment rates for property owned by societies and associations.

“The rate for low and low-medium cost flats will see a hike of 0.5%, from the current 7% to 7.5%.

“This means that 83% of the owners will pay less than RM10 more from next year.

“For landed property, apartments and condominiums, and development land in both districts on the island, the increment is 1%, while assessment rates for commercial and industrial land and hotels will increase by 1.25%.

“The rate for the golf course and turf club will increase by 4.45%.” 

He said MPPP expected an increase of revenue from RM160.438mil to RM180.9mil. - The Star