GEORGE TOWN: DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke will convene a meeting involving former Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng and current Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow to resolve the ongoing dispute over the new quit rent (land tax) rates in the state. Loke, who is also the Transport Minister, stressed that while there is a need to review quit rent rates in commercial zones to ensure the financial sustainability of the state government, the approach must be balanced and considerate. He said that, in particular, quit rents involving educational institutions, such as public schools, should not be increased excessively, and a nominal rate should be applied. The revision of quit rent rates involves nearly 370,000 land titles throughout Penang, covering various land categories and uses, including residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and other special categories. Chow had earlier expressed regret that certain parties had sensationalised the increase, without fully understanding the calculation and the actual land use involved.

Source: The Star March 21, 2026 08:08 UTC