MBJB sets 200 officers on property owners to recover RM214m in assessment arrears

JOHOR BAHRU, July 30 – The Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB) will deploy 200 special officers to engage directly with property owners as it seeks to recover RM214.1 million in outstanding assessment arrears from nearly 90,000 premises.

JB Mayor Datuk Mohd Haffiz Ahmad said this action was necessary as 89,292 properties within MBJB’s jurisdiction were found to be delinquent between the start of the year and June 30. To date, the council has managed to collect RM43.1 million for this period.

Speaking after chairing the MBJB full council meeting today, Mohd Haffiz explained that the 200 officers will conduct direct meetings with property owners identified as having outstanding payments.

“They will act as MBJB property tax agents and will be provided with official power of attorney cards and identification documents,” he said. 

“For a start, we will inform the property owners of their respective arrears. From there, we will give an official notice to pay the arrears within 14 days.”

However, Mohd Haffiz warned the public not to be fooled by unauthorised parties or individuals claiming to represent the council. 

He stressed that the official MBJB officers will not ask for or collect any cash payments; their role is solely to provide advice and guidelines for settling the arrears.

The mayor cautioned that if property owners fail to comply after the 14-day notice period and subsequent reminders, MBJB is empowered to take stern action.

“If the property is occupied, MBJB is empowered to seize items within the premises to be auctioned,” he said. 

“If the house is vacant, the premises itself will be auctioned. The proceeds will be used to pay the tax arrears, while the balance will be returned to the owner.”

He added that legal action can also be taken against property owners who fail to settle their outstanding payments.

Despite the approach, Mohd Haffiz said MBJB is open to negotiation with property owners who intend to pay their assessment arrears. 

He said this can be done through installment plans arranged via the council’s appraisal department.