A REVISED land tax bill issued to the landowner, Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple, has brought significant relief to community institutions under its care, with the latest assessment reduced to a nominal RM50 rate per lot following a successful appeal granted by the Penang government.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister and Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim Chee Keong visited Jit Sin Independent High School to hand over the revised bill, marking a major reduction for 40 land lots involving four schools, three cemeteries and one temple.
Before the appeal, the total land tax for the 40 lots stood at RM28,322. Following the appeal this year, the amount was revised down to RM1,833, representing a 94% reduction. The new figure is also significantly lower than the RM9,039 charged in 2025, with revised rates now averaging between RM13 and RM75 per lot.
Chow explained that the revision followed the state’s first comprehensive review of land grants since 1994, which introduced a uniform nominal rate for non-profit organisations across Penang.
“This is the first land grant review since 1994, a very long period. All non-profit organisations are now given a uniform nominal rate of RM50,” he said.
He noted that the new policy ensures fairness, as land tax payments for non-profit organisations previously varied widely.
“In the past, some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) paid only RM1, while others paid hundreds or even thousands. We decided to standardise the rate so everyone pays RM50,” he added.
Chow stressed that the policy applies statewide and will benefit about 29,000 land lots owned by non-profit organisations, including schools, cemeteries and places of worship.
“The state government understands that NGOs and non-profit organisations play an important role in society. That is why we introduced this nominal rate,” he said.
As of the end of April, more than 10,700 appeals and enquiries had been received, less than 3% of Penang’s 370,000 land lots, with the appeal deadline extended until May 31.
“Out of 370,000 lots, about 300,000 pay land tax annually, while around 70,000 still have arrears. The total additional revenue can only be finalised after the end of May,” he explained.
Chow added that the state collected RM116 million in land tax last year and expects an additional RM50 million this year following the review.
Meanwhile, Sim expressed appreciation to the state government for the successful appeal, which benefited cemeteries in Berapit, Bukit DO and Kubang Semang, as well as four schools and a temple under the same landowner.
“The total discount is about RM26,489, representing around a 94% reduction. The new total value of about RM1,800 is not only cheaper than the revised assessment but also lower than the 2025 amount,” he said.
“In 2025 we needed to pay about RM10,000, but in 2026 we now only pay about RM1,800. This is good news for all of us.”
Sim also thanked the Chief Minister for extending the appeal deadline, allowing Members of Parliament and State Assembly offices more time to assist the public.
“So far, only about 3% of land titles have submitted appeals. With the extension, we hope more residents can be helped,” he said.
The visit symbolised the state government’s continued commitment to supporting educational, religious and community institutions through fair and consistent land tax policies.
Also present were Berapit assemblyman Heng Lee Lee and the temple’s secretary-general Datuk Ong Tang Chuan.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat
Video by Siew Chia En