Last Call for Penang Landowners: Quit Rent Appeal Window Extended to 31 May

The Penang state government has pushed back the appeal deadline for cases related to the revised quit rent (land tax) to 31 May, giving landowners extra time to challenge the new rates.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the decision was reached during the State Executive Council meeting on 29 April, which agreed to lengthen the appeal period for cases tied to the updated land tax rates.

“I once again call on landowners to submit all appeals and feedback through official channels, namely the nearest district offices or the Land and Mines Office, for any concerns, including confirmation of current land use for further review,” he said.

In a further move to ease the transition, the council has also approved an exemption on late payment charges for all landowners who settle their taxes after 31 May. The waiver covers late fees for land tax, parcel tax and temporary block tax.

Chow said the state government hoped the exemption would encourage landowners to clear their taxes promptly and prevent arrears from building up in their tax accounts by 2027.

The approach is designed to help property owners adjust to the revised rates, which had not been reviewed for more than 30 years, while lightening the financial load during the transition period.

As of 30 April, a total of 10,344 responses or appeals had been submitted through official forms at district offices across the state. Of those, 4,015 cases have been resolved, while 6,329 remain under review by district and land offices as well as the Penang State Land and Mines Director’s Office.

Source: NST