IPOH: The Ipoh City Council (MBI) is expected to make a decision regarding the proposed increase in property assessment tax in May 2025.
Ipoh Mayor Datuk Rumaizi Bahrain said residents will have the opportunity to voice their objections and suggestions on the proposed rates during the public consultation period, which is open until Nov 22.
He said that face-to-face consultations will also be held till early next month.
"We may finalise our decision by May next year, but for now, the consultation period is open and we welcome feedback.
"We are conducting a reassessment because the last valuation was done in 1982. According to the Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171), property assessments must be reviewed every five years, but this is the first review in 42 years," he said at a press conference following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Ipoh City Council (MBI) and A2Z Welfare Society for the restoration and redevelopment of the Tasek store.
He said for example, the rate for residential properties will decrease from 16.5% to 9%.
Meanwhile, on the MOU signing between MBI and A2Z welfare society, he said that the Tasek store, which is under MBI that has been unoccupied, will be refurbished into an arts and cultural gallery.
"The restoration project for the Tasek store is an important initiative to revitalise the area and unlock its potential as a commercial hub.
"We are incorporating elements of art, culture and fashion into the building's design, and this project is expected to have a positive economic impact on Ipoh, making the location a unique cultural and tourism destination in Malaysia," Rumaizi said.
He added that further updates on the progress of the project will be announced in stages.
The MOU was signed by Rumaizi on behalf of MBI and the president of the A2Z Welfare Society.
