MPs and groups: Revised assessment rates will further muddy the waters

Source: http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2013/12/20/MPs-and-groups-Revised-rates-will-further-muddy-the-waters.aspx (20/12/2013)   

KUALA LUMPUR: The revised assessment rates announced by Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Mansor will further muddy the waters, said KL MPs and residents’ associations. 

In a further twist to what is already a sore subject, Tengku Adnan yesterday announced that Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) had agreed to reduce its property assessment rates by 2% to 3%, although the new property valuations would remain. 

Setiawangsa MP Datuk Ahmad Fauzi Zahari said the percentage of reduction is not significant to make a difference. 

“Rate increase should only be a last resort…” he said. 

“It will create more problems,” he added. 

Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng said the announcement by Tengku Adnan would cause more confusion among ratepayers. 

“I can definitely expect more calls from residents who will not understand what the decrease in assessment rates would mean for them. 

“All this while we have been against the 200%-300% increase in property valuations, but to suddenly say that residential properties will be now charged a 4% rate while commercial properties will be charged 10%, down from 6% and 12% respectively, will leave many confused. 

“I hope that DBKL will not make further announcements until and unless the matter is clearly resolved. 

“They should hold off until the public hearings on the objections end in March next year,” Lim said. 

Bukit Bandaraya Resident Association Chairman Datuk M. Ali said the reduction was welcomed but it was still very confusing as there were many loopholes.

“To offer an avenue to appeal is also going to be very confusing as one wonders, how are they going to be fair,” he said. 

Taman OUG Residents Association chairman Wong See Tin said the suggested decrease was too insignificant to make a difference. 

“Even though the rate has been reduced, residents will still end up paying more than 50% of their previous assessment charges. 

“For example, last year we were paying RM300 in charges. But with the re-evaluation, and taking into account the revised rates, residents will have to pay RM450. 

“This is still too high,” he said, adding that a 10% to 15% increase from the previous charges was reasonable.

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