It was reported today that Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Ahamd Phesal Talib said that the City Hall has made it easier for people to send in their objections against revised annual value of their properties as they can do it via email or fax instead of hard copies. He said this will hasten and simplify the process.
While this will create convenience for the people, the City Hall has to first address and resolve the important question of proof of delivery and receipt of objection letters via email and fax.
A few days ago, a city dweller has written in my facebook that she sent in her objection via email but she received a message that said the inbox was full. So how does City Hall solve this problem?
If City Hall does not acknowledge receipt of objection letter sent via email or fax, how does a person making the objection prove delivery of objection letter if the City Hall claims that it has never received the objections?
And if City Hall decides to issue acknowledgement of receipt by email, fax or mail, can it ensure that the people are informed before the December 17 deadline so that those whose objections have somehow not been acknowledged receipt by City Hall can resubmit fresh objections in time?
When dispute occurs, will production of sender’s email or fax copy be considered as sufficient proof of delivery by City Hall?
I wish to remind the people that those who wish to object against the proposed hike in their property annual value must make individual written objections before the deadline in accordance with Section 142 (1) of the 1976 Local Government Act.
Section 142 (2) of the same Act states that all objections shall be enquired into and the persons making them shall at such enquiry be allowed an opportunity of being heard either in person or by an authorized agent.
This means that every person making an objection will have the chance to present his/ her case at an enquiry to be set up by City Hall.