The action to seal the apartment in such a manner was taken by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) after the property owner defaulted on paying the assessment that was due.
It was learnt the owner of the low-medium cost apartment in Jalan Van Praagh had not paid the assessment for two years, resulting in an outstanding amount of RM600.
The photo of the padlocked grill and the notice informing the owner to pay MBPP has since gone viral on social media.
Some Penangites say the owner should be given extra time and leniency to settle the outstanding amount while others had instead, applauded the swift action by MBPP against the defaulter.
In a statement yesterday, MBPP said it was merely exercising its right to recover the assessment due.
It said it had the legal right to seal properties belonging to owners or tenants who did not pay up their assessment on time.
In reference to the picture that had gone viral, the council said the owner has now been given two weeks to settle the amount.
MBPP said if the owner fails to do so within the stipulated time, the council will take the necessary action to seize items in the property, as provided for under the Local Government Act 1976.
On WhatsApp and Facebook, Penangites as well as other Malaysians have been quite vocal on the matter.
“You locked a house. Can you check if people are inside, maybe sleeping in there? What is going to happen when there is a fire or an emergency, like a heart attack? The Penang government is heartless,” an anonymous user said.
Another person felt it was a shocking reminder to those who did not bother to pay MBPP’s assessment.
Another comment read: “Last time not like this. The current government desperate for money. Like Ah Long!”
MBPP’s annual assessment rates are 9.3% for landed homes, 7.5% for low cost/medium cost apartments and 8.5% for apartments and condominiums.
It was previously reported that the Penang government had waived state-wide assessment rates for low-cost, medium-low cost houses and flats for 2016 and 2017.
Units which measure 700 sq ft and below, or those priced at RM72,500 and below, will have their assessment rates waived. Kampung houses are also included in the special waiver.
Owners in the category can apply to the respective local councils by filling a form to get an exemption.