(Kuching, 19th) Datuk Amar Dr. Sim Kui Hian, Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, responded to comments made by DAP Padungan assemblywoman Violet Yong regarding the assessment rate issue of Minda Hua 1Malaysia Housing. He claimed her statement was an attempt to "play the hero" and gain political benefits under the guise of supporting the people.
Dr. Sim questioned, "What happened to DAP's promise of RM2 per liter of petrol?"
He clarified that Violet Yong's claim that Minda Hua 1Malaysia Housing is an affordable housing scheme developed by the government for low-income groups is misleading.
He further stated that the Kuching South City Council thoroughly reviewed the 2021 request to lower the assessment rate of Minda Hua 1Malaysia Housing, which included site inspections and obtaining independent valuations from professional valuers of other councils.
"However, based on the principle of fairness and to avoid arbitrary decisions, the valuations for rating purposes were maintained."
Dr. Sim said that the eligibility criteria for Minda Hua 1Malaysia Housing allow individuals or families with household incomes between RM2,500 and RM15,000 to own the properties, not only including the B40 group but also M40 and T20 groups.
He emphasized during a departmental summary at the Sarawak Assembly today that the properties in Minda Hua 1Malaysia Housing are comparable to standard residential development projects, with facilities such as kindergartens, prayer rooms, multi-purpose halls, recreational facilities, and playgrounds.
Although these facilities typically impact valuations for rating purposes, he stated that these amenities were not factored into the assessment rates of Minda Hua 1Malaysia Housing.
The built-up area of the properties in Minda Hua 1Malaysia Housing is 948, 1,038, and 1,158 square feet, with pre-discount assessment values of RM463.75, RM484.95, and RM540.60, respectively.
In comparison, the nearby Neu Pendington, a similar stratified development project, has assessment rates of RM458.45 and RM588.30 for units of 865 square feet and 1,110 square feet, respectively.
"Even after applying the discount rates introduced by the late Pehin Sri Adenan in 2016, the per square foot rate for Minda Hua 1Malaysia Housing remains lower than that of Neu Pendington."
Dr. Sim explained that local authorities rely on standardized manuals developed by professional valuers to determine assessment rates, ensuring consistency and compliance with the Local Authorities Ordinance 1995.
"These guidelines ensure the fair application of valuation principles and prevent arbitrary adjustments that could lead to compliance issues."
