MPAJ sends out new tax rate notices

Counter open for clarification, appeals must be in by May 15

THE valuation exercise for Ampang Jaya, Selangor, properties has started.

Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) has so far issued some 93,000 notices, mostly to strata property owners, informing them of the new assessment tax rates.

The exercise will involve some 180,000 properties, with owners having until May 15 to send in appeals on the new rate.

A service counter at MPAJ’s headquarters in Pandan Indah is available for owners to seek clarification and send in their appeals.

Pangsapuri Bukit Baru resident Zulkifli Isa said he was surprised to receive the notice last Friday.

“Based on the notice, we would have to pay an increase of RM55 per year, from the current amount of RM110.

“This is quite high as it is a low-cost property.

“I am also retired and have a limited budget,” he said when met at Menara MPAJ.

Zulkifli said he decided to come in person to clarify.

Ricky Chong, who owns a strata property in Jalan Bukit Segar 1, came to submit his appeal against the hike.

Chong says he visited the local council’s office for clarification.

“With the new rate I would have had to pay RM429 per year compared to the RM198 I am paying now.

“Luckily MPAJ informed me that the property has some assessment tax exemptions, so I will only have to pay RM247.

“I am glad that MPAJ officers were able to clarify the matter, as it would otherwise have been a 115% increase,” he said.

A Pandan Perdana condominium unit owner who only wanted to be known as Sarah, said she would have to pay a 25% hike in tax.

“It is quite a substantial amount, especially as there hasn’t really been an increase in MPAJ’s level of service or facilities.

“I will be speaking to our residents committee to see what we can do,” she said.

StarMetro had previously reported that properties in Ampang would undergo a property valuation exercise this year.

The new rates would be in use in 2025 if approved by the state government.

The last time evaluation exercise was carried out in 1997.

It was previously reported that MPAJ president Dr Ani Ahmad said the council had received approval to carry out the exercise.

She said MPAJ had to update its valuation list as many properties had undergone renovations, but the owners were still paying the old rates.

She said the process for assessment tax adjustment would include distribution of notices, gathering objections and organising hearings.