THE Penang government is urging eligible non-Islamic houses of worship (RIBIs) across the state to apply for a review of their quit rent rates, enabling them to qualify for a nominal charge of just RM50 per lot.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state government, through the Penang Lands and Mines Office, will assess each application on a case-by-case basis.
“For every case, we need to evaluate accordingly, but the policy decision is clear — a nominal RM50 per lot.
“Applicants are required to submit an appeal and complete the necessary forms, after which we will carry out a review. In most cases, they will receive the RM50 rate, as this has already been established as policy.
“We will manage each application individually. However, the guiding principle is that all RIBIs are eligible, and we will strive to extend the nominal rate to as many as possible,” he said.
Chow was speaking at a press conference following an engagement session with various non-Islamic religious associations at the Penang Harmony Corporation (Harmonico) in Scotland Road today.
Also present were Penang Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim and Harmonico general manager Paul Au.
Chow revealed that there are currently 1,204 RIBIs registered under Harmonico.
He added that the primary criterion for eligibility is that the RIBI must operate on a non-profit basis.
“A non-profit RIBI does not mean the organisation cannot generate income from activities. Rather, it means that any revenue generated is not distributed to committee members or the board of directors.
“Instead, the funds are reinvested into the upkeep of the temple, the purchase of religious items, and other related needs. That is what we mean by non-profit,” he explained.
Chow also announced that the state government will release a comprehensive report on quit rent collection in May, detailing the total amount collected, exemptions granted, and other relevant figures.
“By the end of May, when the entire exercise is completed, we will announce how much quit rent has been collected, how many accounts have made payments, and other key data.
“In previous press conferences, I have already shared that 170,000 accounts have settled their payments. We expect this number to increase further by May,” he said.
He added that any RIBIs with questions or concerns can reach out to the Penang Lands and Mines Office or Harmonico for assistance.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Law Suun Ting