THE Penang state government has forfeited 413 land plots across the state since 2020 after owners failed to settle outstanding land tax despite multiple notices issued by the authorities.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said Seberang Perai Selatan recorded the highest number of forfeitures at 114 plots, followed by Seberang Perai Utara at 96, Barat Daya with 76, Timur Laut with 71, and Seberang Perai Tengah with 56.
“The forfeitures were executed because the landowners or interested parties failed to pay the prescribed land tax even though administrative notices and Form 6A notices had been issued by the District and Land Office.
“This process is carried out in accordance with Sections 97 and 100 of the National Land Code,” he said in a written reply during the Penang State Legislative Assembly sitting.
Chow, who is the assemblyman for Padang Kota, was responding to a question from Bukhori Ghazali (PN – Pinang Tunggal) seeking the list of forfeited plots and clarification on the standard operating procedures for appealing to have the land returned.
Further explaining the appeal process, the State Executive Councillor for Finance, Economic Development, Land and Communications said original owners may submit an application to the State Authority under Section 133 of the National Land Code to request cancellation of the forfeiture.
“The State Authority may impose a penalty not exceeding six times the amount of unpaid rent owed by the original landowner, and this penalty forms part of the conditions for cancelling the forfeiture.
“Only the original landowner prior to forfeiture is eligible to apply for such cancellation,” he said. - November 19, 2025
