IPOH: People who wish to object to the proposed assessment rate by the Ipoh City Council can still do so at their respective elected representatives' offices.
Ipoh Timur MP Howard Lee said that most state assemblymen and MPs in constituencies under the city council’s jurisdiction have agreed to assist the public with the matter.
Lee explained that although the deadline for objections set by the city council has passed, relevant objections or suggestions can still be made through the state representatives' offices.
"There is still time until April or May next year to request an amendment to the proposed rate. Everything is not finalised yet until the city council submits their proposal for the new assessment rate to the state government for approval," he said during a press conference on Saturday (Nov 30).
"Therefore, we urge the people who wish to raise objections or suggestions to approach us before the end of the year," he added.
The city council recently conducted a property valuation exercise and sent out notices to ratepayers in the city regarding the proposed new assessment rate. Despite a reduced assessment rate for most properties, the amount residents are required to pay has increased, leading to confusion and frustration.
A town hall session was held by the city council at Stadium Indera Mulia about two weeks ago to explain the new assessment rate and property valuation exercise to the public.
Ipoh Mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin also said on Thursday (Nov 28) that the proposed assessment tax rate could still see a slight reduction, with an announcement expected before the end of the year or in January 2025.
Lee mentioned that he and several other state assemblymen had already suggested a reduction in the proposed assessment rate for properties.
"The rate proposed by the city council for residential properties was 9%, and we suggested reducing it to 7%. We believe that 7% is a fair rate, but it is not finalised until the state government approves it," he said.
"We believe there will be a reduction to the proposed assessment rates for all categories, not just residential properties," he added.
He also said that elected representatives will hold mini-town hall sessions to allow more residents to meet and discuss the matter.
"We believe there are still many people who have not checked the rates for their properties. Either they are unaware of it, have not been informed, or are simply indifferent. We will hold these town hall sessions at the state constituency level so more people can come forward with their concerns and suggestions," he said.
"We can also discuss amending the proposed capping or subsidy system by the city council to a more suitable rate," he added.
Pasir Pinji assemblyman Goh See Hua, who was also present at the press conference, said it would be better for the public to physically visit the elected representatives' offices.
"We want to meet first and explain the proposed assessment to them. There may be some misunderstandings that we can help resolve," he said, adding that the public should bring all necessary and relevant documents with them to the meeting.
"If they are still not satisfied afterwards, we will assist them in submitting their objections," he added.
