MPAJ collects RM11,400, seizes items from assessment tax defaulters

SIXTEEN businesses in Ampang Jaya had their premises raided by the municipal council for failing to settle their assessment tax arrears.

The owners had accumulated a combined total of nearly RM65,000 and were supposed to settle the amount in instalments.

Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) president Dr Ani Ahmad said the owners had not paid their instalments in over three consecutive months despite having been issued with reminders in June.

“As a result of operations on the 16 premises, MPAJ managed to collect RM11,400 and seized several items.

“A notice was also issued for the owners to settle the balance within 15 days.

“Failure to do so will result in their items being seized,” she warned during the full board meeting.

On a related matter, Ani said MPAJ projected a collection of RM87.5mil in assessment and RM17mil in arrears this year.

“As of October, we have collected RM76.5mil (87.5%) in assessment and RM16.7mil (98.4%) in arrears.”

The current assessment collection, she noted, was 1.9% higher than last year.

To encourage property owners to pay up, MPAJ offered more than 100 lucky draw prizes each month to eligible ratepayers.

Between March and June, more than 44,000 accounts were eligible for the draws with 58 winners selected, she said.

Separately, Ani said MPAJ had collected RM7.7mil from rental of parking bays from Jan 1 to Nov 21.

This amount included some RM3mil (rental of special bays), RM335,000 (monthly rental), RM323,000 (monthly rental for residents) and RM4mil (monthly collection).

Ani also said that MPAJ’s endowment fund stood at RM54,000 as of Nov 21.

Launched in June, the fund was set up to pay for maintenance of drains and trees in Ampang Jaya besides helping to feed and shelter stray animals, among others.

Contributions can be made at MPAJ counters, online, via credit or debit card, ewallet or the Icomm MPAJ payment channel.