By P. Chandra Sagaran
The Ipoh City Council is in the process of implementing a new assessment list for all property taxes which is required under the Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171) to review the valuation every five years.
The current assessment was based on a 1982 valuation which is not relevant to today’s market conditions.
Ipoh City Mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin@Md Daud said the revaluation is needed so property owners would be furnished with detailed information on the current value for taxes to be imposed.
“The reassessment list had been approved by the State Local Government Authority through the exco during a meeting in September 2024.
“The exercise encompasses an area of 643.24 square kilometres which includes Mukim Hulu Kinta, part of Mukim Sungai Raya and part of Mukim Sungai Terap,” he added.
The council had distributed 319,758 tnew assessment notices either through physical distribution or by post.
However it had raised concerns among residents on potential tax increase during these current economic uncertainties.
The council, which is aware of these concerns, had provided clarification during the “Hari Bersama MBI” Program including the new list made available at the council’s Main Office from October 24 to December 2024 for owners to review their assessment.
The residents can also file their appeals if they are dissatisfied with the latest valuation.
Earlier, Rumaizi officiated the Program Hari Bersama MBI 2024 at Indera Mulia Stadium on November 12.
Meanwhile Ipoh City Watch President Dr Richard Ng urged the council which would collect a higher revenue to be transparent as to how the money would be spent to provide infrastructure, upgrading of the drainage system, flood mitigation projects and recreational facilities for the public especially senior citizens and disabled.