Rajesh (centre, in red shirt) together with Section 6 Rukun Tetangga committee members and residents at the Hari Raya open house.
RESIDENTS are urging the Selangor government to offer a discount on the premium for extending land leases in Petaling Jaya.
Section 6 Rukun Tetangga (RT) chairperson Rajesh Mansukhlal, who made the call, said that the expense of extending land leases for residential and commercial leasehold properties in the city is not affordable.
At present, commercial properties in Selangor do not receive any discount, while residential properties are eligible for a 30% discount on the premium.
However, even with this discount, the cost is too high, said Rajesh.
“The cheapest landed property in PJ costs about RM450,000.
“The premium to extend the lease for another 55 years is about RM50,000, which is way too high.
“When applying for a lease extension, one is required to pay within six months.
“Those wanting to extend the land lease are mostly senior citizens who have resided in PJ since its inception.
“I have had people crying that they could not afford to pay the premium,” he said.
Rajesh pointed out that in December last year, the Penang government announced discounts of up to 90% on the premium for residential properties and 80% for commercial properties.
He questioned why a similar approach could not be adopted in Selangor.
“We are willing to pay, but we need it to be made affordable.
“A discount would create a win-win situation for both the people and the state government,” he said at a press conference in conjunction with Section 6 RT Hari Raya open house.
In March, a letter on this matter was delivered to the Selangor Mentri Besar.
He hoped that a meeting could be arranged prior to the state election, which is due this year.
Also announced at the event was the establishment of a community service centre in Section 6, which is a collaboration with non-governmental organisation Suriana Welfare Society. It is due to begin operations in July.
A community farm and composting training centre will also be set up in the area.
Workshops and training will be conducted, especially for those from the B40 group.
Rajesh encouraged residents to participate and support these activities to make the community and area more environmentally friendly.
