Media Statement By Violet Yong:
It is time the Ministry of Local Government and Housing and the Kuching City South (MBKS) take immediate steps to adjust and lower the current assessment rate imposed on Residensi Prima Bintawa consisting of 1,320 units.
This is the second time I bring up this issue in this August House as nothing was done after I first brought it up in year 2022.
The Ministry of Local government and Housing and MBKS had defended the high rate by stating that the assessment rate was rightfully determined. The residents are not bothered with whatever method or excuse the ministry and council used to come up to calculate the rate.
They want the state government to be considerate of their hardship because Prima Bintawa is an affordable housing scheme developed by the government to cater the needs of the lower income group. The assessment rates must be formulated fairly so that these residents can afford to pay it.
The high assessment rate includes Type A, RM463.80, Type B, RM485 and Type C, RM540.60. These rates are similar to the rates charged on private development condos. Please, I urge the Ministry of Local government and Housing to deal with this issue exclusively. Do not compare the special government housing scheme with those private developments. It is inappropriate to compare an apple with an orange.
Tuan Speaker,
These Prima Bintawa’s assessment rates were not set in stone. We know all policies of the government are man-made. If we look back to 2006 before the Sarawak State election, the Land and Survey department refused to lower the land premium renewal rate which was exorbitantly high. But after DAP won 6 state seats, suddenly, the rate reduced to RM1000 for terrace house, RM3,000 for semi detached and RM6,000 for bungalow. Hence, if the land renewal premium could be lowered, the assessment rates for Prima Bintawa Riverfront could also be lowered. It is a matter of whether the State Government is willing or not. Please do not ignore the people’s plea.
