PENANG has taken a decisive step toward modernising its land administration ecosystem by signing the state’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) concession agreement for the e-Tanah system at the Islamic Arts Museum in Kuala Lumpur today.
The move marks a new era of efficiency, transparency, and digital integration for Penang, a state whose land administration workload is poised to surge in tandem with multiple mega reclamation developments.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who witnessed the signing, described the moment as “a catalyst for Penang’s digital governance ambitions under Penang2030”.
“This agreement is not merely a contract but a turning point in modernising our land administration.
“We want a system that is efficient, fast, secure and people-centric, fully aligned with our Penang2030 vision,” Chow said.
He expressed deep appreciation to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), the Department of the Director General of Lands and Mines (JKPTG), the Public-Private Partnership Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department (UKAS), and the Federal Government for enabling the system to proceed under the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) with Puncak Tegap Sdn. Bhd. over a 14-year concession.
“On behalf of the state government and the people of Penang, I record our appreciation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the commitment and approval of this project.
“This reflects the Federal Government’s support for Penang’s digitalisation agenda,” Chow added.
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Penang has been operating on the first-generation e-Tanah system since 2008, but structural issues during development and execution have long weighed down performance.
Users faced slow processes, limited functionality and persistent inefficiencies despite RM8.3 million spent on maintenance and upgrades.
The need for a next-generation system became urgent as Penang moves into an era of large-scale reclamation projects, including Andaman Island and Silicon Island Phase 1.
These projects, with a combined gross development value exceeding RM100 billion, are expected to push land title and strata registrations from 15,000 annually to between 25,000 and 30,000 over the next decade.
“With rising applications for land ownership transfers, leases, strata matters and State Executive Council (Exco) approvals, Penang urgently requires a modern, reliable and integrated digital platform,” Chow said.
He welcomed the introduction of the Federal Government’s upgraded eTanah Solution, emphasising that user experience and data accuracy must be at the heart of the system.
Beyond the new e-Tanah platform, Penang is already pushing boundaries in digital governance.
Its PgLAND system, launched in 2023, has digitised key processes such as title transfers, registrations and land searches. Usage has skyrocketed by 73%, from 103,000 users to 178,860 in 2025.
Chow hopes the concessionaire-developed e-Tanah will integrate seamlessly with PgLAND.
“We want PgLAND to become a fully efficient digital platform for land and parcel tax collection. Integration with e-Tanah will strengthen Penang’s overall digital delivery ecosystem,” he said.
He reaffirmed Penang’s commitment to fulfilling all concession obligations and called on all parties to uphold the same spirit of cooperation.
Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, representing the Federal Government, said the e-Tanah rollout demonstrates effective collaboration between Federal agencies, state authorities and the private sector.
Johari highlighted that efficient land governance is central to economic development, investment facilitation and public service delivery.
“For the first time, we are realising a comprehensive partnership between the Federal Government, state governments and private entities.
“This collaboration strengthens governance, enhances approval processes and ensures better responsiveness to the needs of the people,” he said.
He emphasised that modern land administration must be built upon strong regulatory frameworks, transparency and digital-first processes.
“This project shows that we are on the right track. Through a 14-year concession, two years for development and 12 years for implementation, we ensure continuity, accountability and long-term value for the people,” Johari added.
He said the Federal Government has approved the system’s implementation in several other states, recognising its potential to uplift national land administration standards.
“This initiative strengthens productivity and supports economic growth and public welfare. We must ensure a modern, transparent and inclusive land management system that works efficiently for all,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Chow expressed optimism that the newly signed concession will deliver a fully functional system by 2027, marking Penang’s transition to a more advanced digital land service environment.
“We are confident that this system will serve the people well. It is an important milestone for Penang, and we look forward to successful implementation by 2027,” he said.
Also present at the ceremony was Penang State Secretary Datuk Seri Zulkifli Long.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Siew Chia En