GEORGE TOWN: Landowners have been urged to submit appeals for nominal land tax rates if their properties are used for non-profit purposes such as houses of worship, schools or cemeteries, says Chow Kon Yeow.
The chief minister said land tax rates were based on information in the land title, including the land use category, express conditions and type of ownership.
He said that although mosques, non-Islamic houses of worship (RIBI), cemeteries, schools and other non-profit organisations were eligible for nominal rates under the Penang State Land Rules, many such properties were still registered under individuals or associations.
“As a result, the land titles do not reflect the actual use of the land as a house of worship, school or non-profit activity,” he said on Tuesday (May 12).
Chow said landowners must inform the Land Administrator of the actual use of the land to enable the authorities to assess their eligibility for nominal tax rates.
“In this regard, landowners are encouraged to submit appeals, and if the land use is verified to be in line with the relevant category, the nominal land tax rate will be considered,” he added.
He was replying to an oral question from Teh Lai Heng (PH-Komtar), who asked why some properties in these categories are still being charged the standard land tax rate instead of the special nominal rate, despite the state’s announcement that RIBI will enjoy a nominal rate of land tax.
