Negeri Sembilan will not raise assessment rates for 2017

The assessment rates in Negeri Sembilan will not be raised next year despite the hike in the value of property in several areas in the state.

Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said although the decision would impact in terms of revenue, it was still made to ease the burden of the people who were currently faced with the high cost of living.

"Although, the move will affect the maintenance costs, including emolument costs which have also increased, resulting in local authorities facing the issue of less annual income, the government has decided that there will be no assessment rate hike.

"Because in the current condition, any tax or assessment rate hike is not timely. We don't want to burden society further," he said after the exco meeting here today.

Mohamad said, even though revenue would not increase, the level of service given to the people must be maintained and even boosted further.

He also announced an exemption from paying business permit to hawkers to be continued until end of next year.

"It involves the ordinary workers, the types who conduct their businesses under an umbrella, and not fixed like night market traders. Nevertheless, licences to conduct business are still needed, it is only the permits that are exempted," he added.

-- BERNAMA