KUCHING: Property owners who repeatedly fail to settle their assessment rates risk having their properties caveated, preventing ownership transfers until all outstanding dues are paid.
Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Tan Kai said unpaid assessment rates continue to attract a one per cent monthly late payment charge, while long standing arrears could eventually result in the property title being caveated.
“They cannot run away. If they do not pay for many years, the land title will eventually be caveated.
“Before they can transfer ownership, all outstanding assessment rates must first be settled,” he told reporters after the MPP Pay Assessment Rate and Stand a Chance to Win lucky draw session here today (June 30).
Tan said he regularly signs caveat documents involving property owners with long overdue assessment payments, although some cases involve owners living overseas or properties that have remained unsold.
He said MPP currently has more than 85,000 registered ratepayers and collects between 87 and 88 per cent of assessment rates annually.
He added that assessment rates are an important source of revenue that allows the council to maintain roads, drainage, street lighting, public parks, recreational facilities, waste collection and other municipal services.
Tan also explained that waivers are only considered under exceptional circumstances, including for hardcore poor owners, vacant houses or properties damaged by fire.
