JOHOR BARU, Oct 25 — The Johor government will look into the planned increase for commercial and residential assessment rates under five state municipal councils starting next year under the current economic situation.

Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the state government is always sensitive and concerned about the welfare of the people.

"Based on the feedback from various parties, the state government will look into the matter before considering the best prescribed rates.

"This is not to burden any parties during the current challenging economic period as the people are affected from the high cost of living,” said Onn Hafiz in a statement on his official Facebook today.

He was responding to public feedback on next year’s revised commercial and residential assessment rates in Johor that will likely see an overall increase in all five municipalities.

Onn Hafiz explained that the assessment rates have not been increased since 2013 and includes property tax imposed on each proportional holding, including vacant land within the local government zones, under the Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171).

"The Johor government hopes that there will be no parties that will attempt to confuse and distort this matter,” he said.

For Johor, notice of the expected increase in commercial and residential assessment rates will affect property under five municipalities from January 1 next year.

It will involve properties located in the Johor Baru City Council (MBJB), Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP), Pasir Gudang City Council (MBPG), Kluang Municipal Council (MPK) and Pengerang Municipal Council (MPP).