Penang: The Penang State Government has extended the appeal period for cases arising from the implementation of the new quit rent (land tax) review until May 31, said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chow stated that the decision was made during the State Executive Council (MMK) meeting on April 29, which agreed on the extension. This decision allows landowners additional time to submit their appeals and feedback through official channels, such as the nearest District Offices or the Land and Mines Office, for any concerns, including confirmation of the use of current land titles for further review.

Chow also announced that MMK has agreed to provide an exemption from late fees for all landowners who pay taxes after May 31. This exemption covers late fees for land tax, parcel tax, and temporary block tax. The state government hopes that this measure will encourage landowners to settle their taxes promptly, thereby avoiding arrears on their tax accounts by 2027.

The Chief Minister explained that this approach aims to help landowners adapt to the new land tax rate changes, which have not been reviewed for over 30 years, and to alleviate their financial burden during this transition period. As of April 30, a total of 10,344 responses or appeals had been received through official forms from all district offices across the state. Of these, 4,015 cases have been resolved, while 6,329 cases are still being processed by the District and Land Offices and the Penang State Land and Mines Director's Office.