Penang: Non-Muslim houses of worship, cemeteries, charitable bodies, and non-profit organisations in Penang will benefit from a nominal quit rent rate of RM50 per lot following the latest revision by the state government. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced the initiative, highlighting it as part of the state government's efforts to ease the financial burden on landowners, especially those affected by the 2026 quit rent rate review.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the state government has introduced several measures, including rebates, a new calculation method, and land reclassification, to address nearly all scenarios. Chow emphasized the importance of continued communication to ensure associations and landowners fully understand these initiatives.

Chow cited examples from the Northeast and Southwest districts, where some houses of worship and cemeteries previously faced high quit rent charges. For example, Lot 57 of the United Hokkien Cemetery in the Northeast district, initially charged RM735,682, will now pay only RM50. Similarly, Lot 58's rate has been reduced from RM111,709 to the nominal RM50.

Landowners who have already made payments based on the revised rates may apply for refunds or have the amount credited towards future payments. Chow encouraged eligible organisations to submit applications or appeals to their respective district and land offices for verification and system updates.

Currently, 1,204 entities are registered with the Penang Harmony Corporation (HARMONICO). The Northeast District and Land Office received 58 applications, with some qualifying for the nominal rate after review, while others are still being assessed. The state government, in collaboration with bodies like HARMONICO, is also assisting organisations facing complex cases to ensure fair and comprehensive resolutions.

The state executive council meeting on April 1 agreed to improve the mechanism for determining quit rent rates to alleviate the burden on landowners impacted by the earlier increase.