The implementation of the parcel tax system beginning Jan 1 in Kuala Lumpur, will see homeowners, especially those from the B40 low-income group, enjoying a yearly flat rate of RM15 and RM20 for leasehold and freehold properties respectively.

Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad (photo), said this will involve strata properties from low-cost housing schemes and the People's Housing Programme (PPR), regardless of size.

Residential apartments with an overall size of 96 square metres (1,030 sq ft) which belong to owners from the M40 (middle-income) group are subject to a minimum yearly parcel tax of RM20 and RM25 for leasehold and freehold properties respectively.

Khalid said Kuala Lumpur has followed Selangor, Penang and Melaka in implementing a transition from land tax to parcel tax, adding that the government's intention was to undertake the transition without raising the cost of living in the capital.

He said the new tax system is also seen as a mechanism to rectify and rationalise taxation on strata properties so that it is more systematic, transparent and equitable for owners.

Establishing individual parcel tax accounts for each parcel owner will also enable owners with no arrears of tax, to continue transactions such as transfers, leases and mortgages without any obstruction.

In another development, Khalid said so far, 2,200 of over 5,000 Kampung Baru landowners had submitted feedback forms, with 95.3 per cent of the 2,200 agreeing to the government's redevelopment plan for the area.- Bernama