Petaling Jaya: The Selangor MCA has criticised a move by the Shah Alam City Hall (MBSA) to raise assessment rates by up to 10 times, effective next year.

Division chairman Lee Wei Kiat said the increase in rates imposed on residents in Kampung Baru Sungai Buloh and Kampung Baru Subang was extreme and should be withdrawn.

"The increase in rates is seen as illogical and a burden to the residents...the taxes began going up each year from 2011, this year, and are set to go up next year, by 10 times.

"Based on our records, some residents paid RM1,470 for 2011 and the amount went up to RM5,212, the following year, and the notice received is RM23,040 for 2013," he said at a press conference.

Lee said the residents also questioned the rationale behind the increase when the services provided by MBSA were not satisfactory.

He said MBSA must inform the residents of any increase in assessment rates and not arbitrarily impose them.

Come Monday, he said, the residents would gather at the entrance to Kampung Baru Sungai Buluh at 2pm, to hold a peaceful protest against the hike.

Lee hoped MBSA and the residents would hold talks to resolve the issue. - Bernama