Council expects more revenue

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THE Kajang Municipal Council is anticipating an increase in its revenue next year through income derived from several sources.

Councillors at the three-hour budget meeting recently were informed that a recovering economy could contribute towards the issuance of additional permits especially for trading.

Sidewalk permits, increased from 1,300 to 1,923, are expected to bring in RM83,700. Fifty new permits issued to fruit sellers will generate an additional income of RM22,500.

With an end to the monopoly of buntings and banners held by a single company, the council stands to gain some RM390,000. The 11 public parking areas should rake in RM109,000, as opposed to RM61,000 now.

Of the 108 scrapyard dealers operating in the municipality, only 39 are licensed. However, the dealers are required to abide by the guidelines to operate in industrial areas. It was revealed at the meeting that more income would be gained if the dealers were licensed and moved to the designated areas.

Councillor S. T. Chandramohan raised the issue of restaurant operators who neglected to obtain permits to operate on sidewalks. He said of the 39 restaurants in Bandar Mahkota Cheras, only two had the permits.

“The council should be more stringent in its enforcement checks because there is an opportunity to bring in additional income. With one permit issued at RM150, we stand to gain an additional RM5,550 and this is in Bandar Mahkota Cheras alone,” he said.

On the call to move scrapyard dealers to industrial zones, councillor Mat Jan Sulong said those operating in Hulu Langat, for instance, offered a convenient service.

“They help keep people’s front and backyards clear of recyclables and help to dispose of unwanted stuff. We should examine the guidelines and find a way to derive benefit from it for both parties,” he said.

Only 10 additional entertainment licences for karaoke joints and pubs or discos would be approved next year to help curb social ills. Snooker centres and cybercafes also come under the category.

Councillor P. Narayanan enquired if illegal factories under the legalisation programme helped contribute any income. He was told only 100 had applied for planning approvals and more than 400 other factories had yet to initiate the process. Licences were only issued if approvals were obtained.