Penang’s quit rent rates revised with full empathy, consideration, says Chow

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced that the Penang government has decided to extend quit rent rebates until the following year after taking into account the concerns raised by the public. In a statement to the state assembly, Chow expressed that the move was made with "full empathy and due consideration." Chow explained that the state government had justified the revision of the quit rent rates after more than three decades.

He further stated that the government had taken note of the sentiments on the ground, which prompted the extension of quit rent rebates until the next year.

Chow emphasized that the decision to increase quit rent rates was necessary to ensure a consistent flow of revenue for the state government, as non-tax revenue is unpredictable and difficult to forecast. During the debate on the state's 2027 budget, Chow addressed Lim Guan Eng (PH-Air Putih), who reiterated his plea for the state government to freeze tax increases to alleviate the financial strain on Penangites.

Lim argued that ordinary citizens and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, which are facing economic challenges, should not have to endure higher taxes and additional compliance costs.

In response to the concerns raised by Lim, the Penang government announced several relief measures. These included a 50% rebate for most landowners, nominal charges of RM50 for schools and certain non-profit landowners, and the option for installment payments.