Half of landowners in Negri yet to pay quit rent
12/07/2007 The Star

SEREMBAN: Almost half of the landowners in the state did not pay their quit rent this year, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said.

He said that despite publicity by the state authorities, people still refused to pay their dues.

“Less than 60% of landowners actually paid their quit rent. This is disheartening,” he said after chairing the state exco meeting.

Mohamad said that people living in urban areas were the main culprits.

Citing an example, he said the compliance rate in Port Dickson was less than 50%.

“You would be surprised to note that more than 80% of people living in rural places like Jempol, Jelebu and Kuala Pilah have paid up,” he said.

Mohamad said the state authorities would send notices to defaulters.

“Previously, there were cases where residents and corporations were in arrears up to 12 years. But we will no longer tolerate this,” he said.

Landowners, he said, should not claim ignorance.

“As a landowner, you should automatically know that you must pay up by May 31 every year. This is an obligation,” he said.

Mohamad said it was important that people paid their dues as the money was to fund development projects in the state.

“Our highest income comes from quit rent.

“So, you can imagine what happens if people do not pay,” Mohamad added.

He said the defaulters had four months to clear their dues after which notices would be sent to seize their land.

Mohamad said defaulters would have to pay double the amount as well as penalties if their land was seized.