Local councils in Johor to revalue properties
NST 13/1/2006

JOHOR BARU, Thurs. - The State Government has given the green light to six local councils to revalue properties and review tax revenue.

State executive councillor for Local Councils and Health Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique said the property premiums were based on several categories including location, ownership and type of property.

"The revaluation is timely as we have not done it for the past nine years," she said.

The councils are the Johor Baru City Council, Muar Municipal Council and the Pontian, Segamat, Mersing and Simpang Renggam district councils.

Halimah said the revaluation was in accordance with Section 137 of the Local Government Act 1975.

"The revaluation also allows the local councils to update ownership information," she said.

Economic growth over the years has raised property value in these districts, resulting in higher tax revenues from property owners.

Halimah said the new premium would take effect in July.

"The local councils have revalued the properties in their districts, and this is expected to increase tax collection.

The revaluation, however will not affect the quit rent rate."

Halimah said quit rent in the six local councils had remained the same for the past 22 years.

"The current valuation does not reflect the market value of a property and taxpayers should be aware of this. The increase in the premium should have a positive effect on the value of their properties."