Many homeowners have received new assessment bills for at least double the previous amount, according to Consumers Association of Kedah president Yusrizal Yusoff.

“The new rates are a big jump for most households,” he told FMT.

According to the Alor Setar city council, the increase is on state orders and is aimed at aligning tax rates with current property values.

It said the assessment rates were last revised more than 30 years ago, in 1993.

The new rates are 0.11% for residential properties and 0.3 % for commercial lots, based on current market value.

Yusrizal said the increase comes at a time when people are already struggling with higher living costs.

“According to the statistics department’s data, the average household income in Alor Setar is below RM6,000. Many will find it hard to cope with this sudden increase in the assessment rate,” he said.

Yusrizal also said the deadline for filing objections to the raise should be extended beyond Nov 5, as some residents are still unaware of the new rates.

“We hope the council and state government will review this move and give the public more time and clarity,” he said.

Yusrizal said while other states such as Selangor and Penang had introduced smaller increases at 25% and 5% respectively, Alor Setar’s increase was much higher because Kedah had skipped earlier revisions.

“Residents understand the need for updates, but the rise should be gradual. A 200% jump after three decades is too harsh,” he said.

The city council (MBAS) said the new rates are based on 2024 market values, with homes charged 0.11%, low-cost units 0.09% and commercial buildings 0.3%. A single-storey house with a market value of RM350,000 would pay about RM385 a year.

All properties in Alor Setar are affected, except places of worship, schools and charities. MBAS said the taxes collected go to basic services like rubbish collection, drains and street lights.