(From left) Teh, Sim, Low, Law and Chua at MBPG’s headquarters.
MCA councillors from Pasir Gudang City Council (MBPG) have expressed their gratitude to Johor government for waiving the property tax arrears for Foon Yew High School Seri Alam branch in Masai.
Councillor Low Sing Huat said the issue was discussed during the city council’s finance committee meeting on Jan 13 before it was brought to the attention of Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi on Jan 17.
“We were represented by Johor health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon and Johor investment, trade, consumer affairs and human resources committee chairman Lee Ting Han.
“The matter was presented to the Mentri Besar during a Chinese New Year dinner at Foon Yew High School Seri Alam branch, where he announced in his speech that he would approve the waiver,” he said.
Low added that during the MBPG full board meeting on Jan 24, the finance committee, chaired by MBPG chief whip Datuk Mohd Amin Ahmad, agreed to bring the proposal to the Johor State Executive Council for approval.
He said the school’s current tax arrears were RM564,392, from January 2020 to the second school term of 2024.
He noted that the school’s annual property tax was approximately RM324,238, which was a significant financial burden.
“The school is a non-profit institution and relies on public donations.
“The school’s Johor Baru and Kulai branches have received tax exemptions and we are grateful that the Seri Alam branch has also been given the same waiver.
“We hope that with this waiver, the school can continue focusing on nurturing students who will contribute to the state’s future,” he said, adding that they were now awaiting the state exco’s approval.
Low added that the Seri Alam branch currently has 4,003 students.
Also present were MBPG MCA councillors Teh Siew Boey, Sim Shaw Fong, Law Yiak Kwang and Chua Tian Cha.
On Jan 18, Onn Hafiz said that the property tax exemption for Foon Yew High School Seri Alam branch would be settled within three months. ― By REMAR NORDIN
