Tan (centre) and others pose for a photo call after the meeting.

KUCHING (June 26): The Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) has recorded an increase in assessment rate collection, with RM16 million collected as of June 2025, marking a 58.06 per cent collection rate, up from 57.47 per cent during the same period last year.

Chairman Tan Kai, after chairing the MPP full council meeting yesterday, said the increase demonstrates the council’s ongoing commitment to enhance revenue collection and community cooperation.

“Arrears collection has also risen by RM189,000 compared to the same period in 2024.

“MPP has implemented several proactive measures, including mobile counters, door-to-door programmes, SMS and email reminders, follow-up calls, and reminder notices,” he said, stressing that assessment rate revenue is crucial for sustaining services and development in Padawan.

Payments can be made at all MPP counters, Service Sarawak locations, the Kuching North City Commission (DBKU), the Kuching South City Hall (MBKS), Post Malaysia Bhd, H&L Supermarkets, and online via the Service Sarawak website, S Pay Global app, and PayBills Malaysia website.

Ratepayers who have not received their bills are encouraged to update the contact details at MPP or Service Sarawak counters to receive digital copies.

During the meeting, Tan also provided updates on infrastructure projects funded through the Malaysian Road Records Information System (Marris).

A total of 121 projects under the Special Marris Road allocation, amounting to RM8.2 million, have been approved, with 47.1 per cent completed.

Under the Special Marris Drainage allocation, 28 projects worth RM7.8 million were approved, with 32.14 per cent completed.

Separately, 133 out of 411 routine maintenance projects across the council’s area have been completed.

“The council reaffirms its commitment to transparency, efficiency, and timely project delivery to ensure maximum benefit for the community,” said Tan.

He also warned private developers against carrying out earthworks without prior engineering approval, noting that companies must apply for road permits and clearly indicate routes for heavy vehicles, particularly when transporting construction materials.

“Repeated damage to roads caused by heavy vehicles places a burden on public resources due to frequent repairs,” he said.

“Non-compliance with Section 8A of the Sarawak Building Ordinance 1996 and planning regulations may lead to enforcement, including site closure. A non-compliant site was closed just last month as part of such enforcement efforts.”

Moreover, MPP is also moving to regularise unauthorised advertisements within its jurisdiction.

Tan stressed that all advertisements must follow council guidelines and by-laws to ensure public safety and preserve the townscape.

“Violators may face a compound of RM1,000 under By-law 28 of the Local Authorities (Advertisements) By-laws 2012,” he said, adding that MPP is committed to working closely with business owners to support compliance and guide them through proper licensing procedures.

On another matter, MPP will hold a free dog licensing, anti-rabies vaccination, and microchipping programme this Saturday at the Kota Sentosa basketball court parking lot.

The first 50 dogs vaccinated, licensed, and registered with the council will receive a RM150 subsidy.