SEREMBAN: The Negri Sembilan government will continue to offer a 25% discount on land premiums this year to spur growth in the state, says Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.

       He said those who pay the amount within 30 days from the day they received an approval from the state authorities to develop their land would be eligible for the discount.

       "We see this as a win-win situation for the state government, the potential investors and the people, especially after having gone through the worst period of Covid-19.

       "This will not only help increase our income from taxes but will also be a catalyst for development such as housing and industry," he told reporters after chairing the state exco meeting at Wisma Negri here.

       Those who paid up their premiums within 60 days would be entitled to a 15% discount.

       Aminuddin said the state government would also be able to increase its annual revenue as such taxes make up a significant portion of its income.

       "By offering a discount,we also hope to attract more investors to the state," he said.

       The state government, he said, was also planning to open more new industrial areas as most of the current ones such as in Bandar Enstek, Sendayan and Senawang were nearing full capacity.

       On a separate matter, Aminuddin said advertisers needed to be responsible for the billboards promoting their products and services put up along the North-South Expressway.

       He said a recent exercise by the Seremban Municipal Council had found that 26 such structures put up along the northbound lane after Bandar Ainsdale were illegal.

       "Please make sure those who put up the advertisements for you have applied for all approvals from the relevant authorities such as the city council and land office.

       "This is important because the structures need to be safe and not a potential hazard to highway users," he said, adding that there were also structures that were already partially damaged.

       Aminuddin said the authorities had also contacted the owners of these billboards to get them legalised.

       Structures that were not safe would be demolished, he added.