SANDAKAN: Some 50 people staged a peaceful protest against the proposed assessment rate hike in the district in front of Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS), here, Monday.
It was attended by Elopura Assemblyman Calvin Chong and Gum-Gum Assemblyman Arunarnsin Taib.
During the protest, Calvin handed over a memorandum to MPS Deputy President Wilson Thomas.
When met, Calvin said an increase in the rate, expected to be enforced next year, is not appropriate amidst increasing prices of consumer goods and the high cost of living.
He hoped MPS would assess the current situation and reconsider its decision.
He also hoped MPS could locate homeowners who have not or failed to make assessment payments amounting to more than RM40 million before the implementation of the proposed hike.
“The revenue from the outstanding assessments can be used to implement or upgrade infrastructure works in the district, including repairing non-functioning streetlights, maintenance of amenities and providing better services such as grass-cutting and garbage collection.
Arunarnsin said his party does not object to the MPS proposal but it has to be in line with the current priorities, such as improved services to the people.
He hoped homeowners who have failed to pay their assessments would do so for the good of all.
One of the residents met hoped MPS would be more proactive in solving residents’ problems, including grass-cutting and attending to public complaints promptly.
