PENANG will maintain its RM58mil allocation for the i-Sejahtera programme in 2027 and introduce a one-off RM500 cash assistance for eligible newlyweds under a new initiative.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow (PH-Padang Kota) said the Mempelai Emas Programme would be introduced next year to provide financial assistance to eligible couples who had recently married in Penang.
“Since its introduction in 2009, the i-Sejahtera programme has continued to be one of the state government’s key initiatives in safeguarding the welfare and well-being of vulnerable groups,” he said when tabling the state Budget 2027 at the State Legislative Assembly today.
Chow said the state government had channelled RM57.8mil through the first two phases of the programme as of Sept 30 this year, benefiting 299,504 recipients, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, single mothers and housewives.
He said the state government had also approved RM8 million for welfare financial assistance under the Social Welfare Department, including the Equitable Economic Agenda Assistance (BAES), for 2027.
The BAES per capita income threshold was raised from RM348 to RM368 in April this year, benefiting 8,960 recipients as of Sept 30, with total expenditure of RM5.22 million.
Chow said the state government would also establish the Penang State Social Development Fund next year, with an allocation of RM350,000 to support welfare initiatives, address poverty and social inequality, and assist vulnerable groups.
On housing, he said 176,457 Rumah MutiaraKu units had been provided to date, representing 80.21% of the state’s target of 220,000 units by 2030.
He said 22 development projects had been identified under the Penang State Housing Board’s 2021-2030 master development plan, comprising 13 Rumah MutiaraKu projects and nine urban renewal projects.
The projects are expected to provide 18,342 affordable housing units.
Chow said the state government would also explore the co-living concept for suitable state rental housing and People’s Housing Programme units in 2027 to cater to the needs of single people and senior citizens living alone.
On land revenue, he said collections from land tax had reached RM167.59mil as of Oct 29, compared with RM116.05mil in 2025.
“This represents an increase of RM51.54mil or 44.41%,” he said.
Chow said the increase was recorded despite a 50% land tax rebate and reductions granted following appeals by landowners, which had reduced revenue by nearly RM35.7mil.
He announced that the state government would maintain the 50% land tax rebate in 2027, subject to the relevant conditions.
On another note, Chow said the state government had approved 578 applications for residential land lease extensions since 2025, including those involving settlements in Valdor, Juru, Permatang Tinggi and Gelugor.
He encouraged eligible landowners to submit their applications to the respective district and land offices for consideration.
On non-Muslim houses of worship, Chow said the state government had approved 488 applications for assistance from 2016 to date, involving RM18.59mil.
For 2027, at least RM5mil would be allocated to support programmes and infrastructure projects for non-Muslim houses of worship.
He said the state government would also continue supporting the construction of mosques and religious schools.
Three mosques are currently under construction at a total cost of RM14mil, with the Cherok Tok Kun Bawah Mosque scheduled for completion this year and the Sungai Bakap and Permatang Tinggi mosques expected to be completed in 2027.
The Cherok Tok Kun Atas Mosque, costing RM13mil, is expected to be completed in 2028.
He added that the Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC) would receive RM2.1mil next year to support the development of age-friendly cities on the island and in Seberang Perai.
Story by Edmund Lee