Local authorities assessment, taxation manuals combined into one — Penguang
The Local Authorities Assessment and Taxation manual has been updated to improve procedures for local authorities, says Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil.
The Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Sarawak said previously published as two separate guidelines, the manuals had been updated and consolidated into one by combining the assessment and valuation manuals, which were published more than 10 years ago.
“We have gone through leaps and bounds and have improvised on the existing manuals.
“I was given to understand that this year, the (revision of the) manual has gone through a series of labs and workshops with inputs from various parties including the local authorities and councils.
“In this matter, we should also obtain input from the general public because they play an important role in providing us with feedback on the existing system,” he said at the launch of the updated manual here yesterday.
Penguang said the manual would be used to standardise and harmonise the procedures of local authorities regardless of whether they were local councils or district councils.
“I hope that with this manual, there would be no complaints or comparisons on why this council is doing this and so on, as we now have this manual to serve as a guideline that will be applicable statewide.
“This manual will act like a ‘bible’ for all of us and I hope that you would look into this from time to time and make sure that the content remains relevant,” he said.
Penguang also called for the manual to be updated and improved in line with the state’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, particularly in regard to digitalisation.
Also present were Kuching South mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng and Kota Samarahan Municipal Council chairman Dato Peter Minos.