Whopping 2,993 accounts have outstanding annual building taxes owed to three municipal departments.

For the 2015/2016 financial year, the accumulated arrears stood at $45.08 million, the Minister of Home Affairs, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia Dr. Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong said in response to YB Awang Haji Gapor @ Haji Mohd Daud bin Karim at the LegCo Meeting yesterday.

For Bandar Seri Begawan Municipal Department it was 2,314 accounts ($41.41 million), Kuala Belait and Seria, 668 accounts ($3.64 million) and Tutong, 11 accounts ($25.191 million).

As of January 31, $6.3 million of the sum has been collected.

"The municipal departments are working together with the Attorney General's Chamber to address this issue.

"Building owners would be given a chance to consult with the relevant municipal departments before legal action is taken," said the minister, adding that a Letter of Demand would be issued should the final reminder be ignored.

The minister said that on October 17 last year, a special committee tasked with collecting tax arrears was set up.

Among other steps taken are discussion sessions with relevant government agencies, reviews of the policy and procedure for claim and collection, enforcement empowerment and frequent data updating.

Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM

by BruDirect.com

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