He said more social development could be done for the people in one area as a result of effective and orderly assessment tax collection.

Although it was an unpopular decision, he said, it had to be done to ensure that the financial resources of the local authorities were sufficient to provide the best services to the people.

“There is no government that can run without collecting any reasonable tax.

“If the rates have not increased in so many years, how can local authorities give the best service to the people and cover their own expenses while the population is growing?” he told reporters after handing over school aid to 90 students here today.

Yesterday, the minister Zuraida Kamaruddin said all 155 local authorities nationwide were required to review assessment fees every five years, beginning next year.

Raja Kamarul said the assessment review could also reduce spending and ensure a more balanced state financial management.

“Many local authorities do not have sufficient funds to manage the expenditure in one area and have to borrow money from state sources to cover those expenses,” he said.