The Star Online: Metro: Central
The Star Online: Metro: Central |
| MBSA: Hourly fee of 60sen may start as early as next month Posted: 04 Jun 2013 05:54 AM PDT AFTER more than a decade, the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) will increase its parking rate from 40sen an hour to 60sen at all public parking areas in the city. Shah Alam mayor Datuk Mohd Jaafar Mohd Atan said this was the first time the rate would be increased since 1998. "The current rates are no longer suitable as we are a city now, not a municipality," he said when met. At present, the 40sen an hour rate is said to be the lowest in the state when compared to neighbouring councils in Klang, Sepang, Subang Jaya, Kajang and Ampang. "With the new roads to be gazetted soon, we will be able to reduce parking problems in such areas," said Mohd Jaafar at a fullboard meeting recently. With the new rate of 60sen an hour, MBSA will now match the parking rate charged by Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ), while the monthly parking pass will increase from RM60 to RM90 a month. MBSA also intends to raise the monthly rental of each parking lot managed by parking concessionaire Suasa Efektif Sdn Bhd starting next month from RM15.28 per box to RM22.92 There are a total of 55,842 public parking bays and MBSA hopes to collect some RM1,279,898 in revenue once the new rate takes effect. Another 16,449 bays which have been gazetted and rented out will contribute some RM377,011. From this month, a further 9,644 parking bays that will be rented out are expected to bring in an additional RM221,040. Mohd Jaafar said the increase might come into effect next month or later as they needed time to finalise issues such as the parking machines as well as the gazetting of roads. Meanwhile, Selangor MCA Youth deputy chairman Datuk Dr Ching Eu Boon questioned why the Pakatan Rakyat-led Selangor Government waited until after GE13 to increase the parking rate. He said raising the parking rate in Shah Alam was an inconsiderate move as being the state administrative centre, many government offices were located there. Civil servants and private sector employees working in Shah Alam will likewise be affected by the higher rate, he said. "Pakatan touts itself as a government that cares for the people's welfare, but it has glossed over day-to-day matters that impact ordinary Malaysians. "If the Selangor Pakatan government was sincere, why did it not introduce these new charges before May 5, unless they feared losing votes?," asked Dr Ching. "Barisan Nasional, on the other hand, has proven our sincerity in alleviating the rakyat's burden. "As early as Feb 17, 2011, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had announced a reduction from RM1.60 to RM1 for the toll between Petaling Jaya Selatan and Kampung Medan along the New Pantai Expressway. "On Jan 28, 2011, the premier also announced there would be no increase in toll for the next five years at the Karak and East Coast Phase One highways. "He also announced toll rates at PLUS expressways would be frozen for five years when tabling Budget 2011," added Dr Ching |
| Posted: 04 Jun 2013 05:54 AM PDT DISABLED people who own and live at the same address in Selangor will be given a 50% discount on their assessment tax to ease their burden as most of them often live on a fixed income. Petaling Jaya mayor Datin Paduka Alinah Ahmad said people with serious or permanent disabilities could apply for the discount. Selangor government made the decision in March at the state executive council meeting. "MBPJ has been informed of this decision to give a 50% discount on assessment tax for the disabled to ease their difficulties as most of them live on a fixed income from the state's Welfare Department or do simple jobs," she said after the council's full board meeting. "Our officers will get the details of the discount scheme sorted out with the state officials for a smooth implementation. "MBPJ is eager to implement this scheme as it is an important initiative to make it possible for the disabled to live in their homes without the added burden," she said. She stressed that the council would be strict on the applications as it must be the applicant's principal place of residence and the property must not be rented or leased out. "Discounts are given to a disabled person who owns and lives in the said property. "The council's Evaluation and Property Management Department will conduct a visit to the house or apartment and confirm that it is the applicant's residence," she said. For assessment tax purposes, MBPJ's definition of residence will depend on two factors — physical presence and intention. Alinah said the application would have to be made on an annual basis by Feb 28. Disabled people are given a discount according to the following criteria: ·Has lost the use of both limbs. Losing the use of a limb means that the limb has been amputated or its use has been lost by reason of paralysis or other muscular degeneration, ·Is blind in both eyes and has a visual acuity of 5/200 or less, or visual field to five degrees or less, and ·For disabled persons with a Welfare Card, the council's assessor must consider the application without subjecting the person to further medical documentation. Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association president Anthony Thanasayan said the 50% discount was a good gesture but it does not go far enough. "Disabled people must be given a total waiver as this is more appropriate. Just like in the case of a total exemption of Malaysian passport and road tax fees for the disabled," he said. Anthony added that most disabled people were still unemployed and faced a high cost of living for medication, assistive devices and rehabilitation therapies. "Government entities must strive to improve their services for the disabled and must not make money from their misfortune and be aware of their hardship," he said. |
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