By Teoh Yee Shen
SHAH ALAM, Nov 7 — The Selangor government is in the final stages of reviewing new assessment rates following the completion of public objection hearings by its 12 local councils, with an announcement on revised rates expected soon from Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
State executive councillor for local government and tourism Dato’ Ng Suee Lim said any increase will be capped at 25 per cent to avoid overburdening residents.
“All local councils have submitted reports from the objection hearings regarding the new assessment tax evaluations, and we are assessing the latest rates. The Menteri Besar is expected to announce the new rates soon,” Ng told SelangorKini when contacted.
The review comes after concerns were raised by both government and opposition assemblymen at a recent Selangor State Legislative Assembly session.
Meanwhile, Ng said eight local councils have not reviewed their assessment rates in between 20 and 40 years, describing this as an “unhealthy situation”.
“Over time, operating costs have increased, and taxpayers’ expectations for improved infrastructure have evolved significantly compared to 30 years ago,” he said, stating that councils failing to adjust rates for extended periods struggle to meet current development demands.
While the Local Government Act 1976 allows for assessment reviews every five years or within an extended period as determined by the state government, many councils have delayed these adjustments far beyond the suggested timeframe.
Under the Act’s provisions, property owners retain the right to lodge objections with their respective local councils regarding any proposed assessment tax adjustments within specified deadlines.
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A view of the Selangor State Legislative Assembly chamber during Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul's visit, in Shah Alam, on August 21, 2024. — Picture by MOHD KHAIRUL HELMY MOHD DIN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
Decades-long delays in updates
The Kajang Municipal Council holds the longest record without revision, having maintained the same rates since 1985.
The Kuala Langat Municipal Council follows close behind, which has not adjusted its rates since 1987, while the Selayang Municipal Council has gone without changes since 1992.
The Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) presents a mixed picture, with no revisions for the Subang Jaya and Bandar Sunway areas since 1992.
Other areas under MBSJ’s jurisdiction, including USJ, Puchong, Seri Kembangan, and Serdang, have maintained the same rates since 1996.
The Ampang Jaya Municipal Council and Kuala Selangor Municipal Council have both maintained their rates since 1997.
The Hulu Selangor Municipal Council has kept its rates for 28 years since 1996, while the Shah Alam City Council has not revised its rates since 2006.
