PENANG only recorded 300 complaints and appeals from landowners over the revised quit rent rates, which some quarters have described as "excessive."
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, however, pointed out that 300 out of 370,000 quit rent notices sent out to landowners were not excessive as claimed.
He said the mechanism used to calculate the rates was transparent and based on the model approved by both the federal and state authorities.
"We understand there might be grievances, and we stand ready to explain. Those who want to appeal are also welcome to do so. We are ready to assist," Chow told a press conference.
He said that the confusion over the difference in rates could be attributed to the first-grade land category.
It is a status inherited from the colonial era or Straits states, as only Penang and Melaka have land parcels classified as first grade.
In the case of Penang, about 230,000 landowners are holders of first-grade land.
A majority of them have some form of development on the land, from commercial to housing, industrial or private bungalows.
As the quit rent had not been revised for the past 30 years, Chow acknowledged that they likely enjoyed many cost savings over the decades.
It is just that now, the rates have been structured and updated, so they have to pay, and if they cannot, they are allowed to appeal, said Chow.
On cases of huge discounts accorded to some landowners, Chow replied that it was due to the reclassification of the current use status of the land.
Meanwhile, state land and mines department director Datuk Dr Faizal Kamarudin said that the land officers usually accessed rates for first-grade titles in person.
"They go down to the ground to survey and determine to ensure it is right."
In many cases, the landowners are involved in the development of the land; even if the plot is empty, checks with the local authorities revealed that the landowner had applied for planning permission.
The rates imposed can be justified, said Faizal. - March 4, 2026.
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