Many property owners in Johor are upset over the recent property evaluation exercise and revisions in assessment rates by five of the 16 local councils in the state. These changes will result in significantly higher assessments (cukai pintu) next year for both residential and commercial properties, including those under the jurisdiction of the Johor Baru City Hall (MBJB). Saiful, a shop owner, expressed his discontent as the assessment for his three-storey shoplot in Johor Jaya will increase by 111.6%. His shop has been revalued to RM1.56 million from RM851,000, and the assessment rate has risen from 0.2% to 0.23%. Consequently, Saiful will have to pay RM3,601.80 starting next year, compared to the current RM1,702. He criticized the timing of the review, stating that people are already struggling with the rising cost of living, rental, and healthcare expenses.
Syed Mohd Ghazafi Syed Abu Bakar, a trader, highlighted that despite a lower assessment rate for his medium-cost single-storey house in Taman Daya next year, his annual assessment payment will increase to RM280 from the current RM182. The increase is due to the revaluation of his house to around RM350,000 from RM140,000. Moreover, the recent increase in the overnight policy rate (OPR) by Bank Negara is causing him financial strain, as his monthly housing loan payment has risen to RM1,100 from RM700. He emphasized that people are already facing numerous burdens, and a higher assessment rate only adds to their hardships.
Nancy Wong, a retiree living in Desa Tebrau, expressed her dismay over the increased assessment of her property, which rose from RM372 annually to RM695. Wong, who relies on her savings as her only source of income, stated that she would have to further reduce her daily expenses to cope with the already high cost of living. She highlighted that in addition to groceries and other expenses, she already pays a monthly maintenance fee of RM200 for her apartment. Wong has submitted an appeal to the council to reassess her case, as she finds an 86% increase unreasonable for individuals like her.
It is worth noting that besides the Johor Baru City Hall (MBJB), other local councils that have conducted property revaluations and adjusted assessment rates include the Iskandar Puteri City Council, Pasir Gudang City Council, Pengerang City Council, and Kluang Municipal Council.
