Penang: Local councils to reduce proposed assessment rates hike

PENANG (May 7): The state authorities here have decided to reduce the increase in the proposed assessment rates, Malaysiakini reported today.

State executive councillor Jagdeep Singh Deo (pictured)  told the media that this was decided on “after hearing and considering the objections raised by Penangites”.

Jagdeep said the reduction will affect 281,949 ratepayers in Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and 327,401 in Seberang Jaya City Council (MBSP).

With this decision, the two councils are now “slated” to receive RM19.5 million (MBPP) and RM27.8 million (MBSP).

"It should be noted that out of a total of 649,950 ratepayers in Penang, some 95,125 (14.64 percent of the total ratepayers) objected while 25,066 (3.86 percent) attended 175 public hearing sessions that were held in accordance with the due process of law," the news portal reported Jagdeep saying.

It was reported yesterday that Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow has “heard and accepted the objections and will reduce the raise in the proposed assessment rates”.

Chow said he understood the “economic uncertainties being faced by all during the Covid-19 pandemic.”

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