(From left) Yap, Yoke, Pang and Lim holding notices of the new assessment rate for their properties under Ampang Jaya council.
RESIDENTS of Pandan Perdana in Ampang, Selangor, are shocked by the assessment rate hike for their properties under Ampang Jaya Municipal Council’s (MPAJ) property revaluation exercise which started in April.
Christina Yap Peak Kun, 58, who sees a 25% hike in assessment rate for her property, said the increase was heavy for her and some of her neighbours.
“I filed an appeal to MPAJ on May 6. So far, I have not received any response,” she said.
Pang Teck Ming, also 58, said the hike could be burdensome to consumers.
“The hike may cause property owners to increase rental, which will burden tenants. Most of them just increased their rentals early this year.
“Commercial premises like restaurants may also raise food prices.
“This again will cause consumers to suffer as the cost of living will get higher,” he added.
Pang, who is director of a real estate company, will also see a 25% increase in assessment rate for his property.
MPAJ started issuing notices of assessment tax rate changes on April 23.
It has also set up a service counter at its headquarters in Pandan Indah for property owners to seek clarification and send in their appeals.
Appeals can also be filed through MPAJ’s website at www.mpaj.gov.my, or via email at bantahansenarainilaian@mpaj.com.my
Pandan Perdana Residents Association (PPRA) president Lim Ah Chai, 65, urged MPAJ to come up with a better way to address residents’ complaints.
“The online method is not friendly for senior citizens who may not be digitally literate.
“Going to MPAJ’s office physically may also be troublesome for some residents,” Lim said after holding a discussion with Yap, Pang and another resident identified as only Yoke, over the assessment rate hike at the Pandan Perdana RA office.
MPAJ councillor S. Moganraj said he would submit residents’ feedback to MPAJ president Dr Ani Ahmad.
“I am fully aware of residents’ complaints on the rate hike and their concerns about the high cost of living.
“I will continue engaging with them to listen to their views,” said Moganraj.
“I also encourage the residents to go directly to MPAJ to send in their appeals,” he said.
“The residents are always welcomed to call me at 016-383 8793 for any issues they face,” he added.
The ongoing revaluation exercise will involve some 180,000 properties within Ampang Jaya.
Property owners have until May 31 to appeal against the increase in assessment rates.
