GEORGE TOWN: Newlyweds in Penang will receive a one-off RM500 cash assistance under a new state government initiative next year.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the Mempelai Emas Programme would be introduced in 2027 to provide financial support to eligible newly married couples.
He announced this when tabling the Penang Budget 2027 at the state assembly on Friday (Oct 30).
Chow said the state would also maintain its RM58mil allocation for the i-Sejahtera welfare programme next year.
"Since its introduction in 2009, the i-Sejahtera programme has continued to be one of the state government's key initiatives in safeguarding the welfare and well-being of vulnerable groups," he said.
As of Sept 30, the state had disbursed RM57.8mil under the first two phases of i-Sejahtera this year, benefiting 299,504 recipients, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, single mothers and housewives.
Chow said another RM8mil had been allocated for welfare assistance under the Social Welfare Department, including the Equitable Economic Agenda Assistance (BAES).
The BAES per capita income threshold was raised from RM348 to RM368 in April, benefiting 8,960 recipients as of Sept 30, with RM5.22mil disbursed.
The state will also establish a Social Development Fund with an allocation of RM350,000 next year to support welfare initiatives, tackle poverty and social inequality, and assist vulnerable groups.
On housing, Chow said 176,457 Rumah MutiaraKu units had been provided to date, achieving 80.21% of the state's target of 220,000 units by 2030.
Another 22 projects have been identified under the Penang State Housing Board's 2021-2030 master development plan, comprising 13 Rumah MutiaraKu developments and nine urban renewal projects.
These projects are expected to provide 18,342 affordable housing units.
Chow said the state would also explore co-living arrangements for suitable state rental housing and People's Housing Programme (PPR) units next year to cater to single people and senior citizens living alone.
Meanwhile, Penang will maintain its 50% land tax rebate in 2027, subject to the relevant conditions.
Chow said land tax collections had reached RM167.59mil as of Thursday (Oct 29), up RM51.54mil or 44.41% from RM116.05mil in 2025.
The increase was recorded despite rebates and reductions granted following appeals by landowners, which reduced revenue by nearly RM35.7mil.
He said 578 applications for residential land lease extensions had been approved since 2025, including those involving settlements in Valdor, Juru, Permatang Tinggi and Gelugor.
Eligible landowners were encouraged to submit applications to their respective district and land offices.
On religious development, Chow said at least RM5mil would be allocated next year for programmes and infrastructure projects involving non-Muslim houses of worship.
Since 2016, the state has approved 488 applications for assistance involving RM18.59mil.
The state will also continue supporting mosque construction, with three mosques currently being built at a total cost of RM14mil.
The Cherok Tok Kun Bawah Mosque is scheduled for completion this year, while the Sungai Bakap and Permatang Tinggi mosques are expected to be ready in 2027.
The RM13mil Cherok Tok Kun Atas Mosque is expected to be completed in 2028.
Chow added that the Penang Women's Development Corporation (PWDC) would receive RM2.1mil next year to support the development of age-friendly cities on the island and in Seberang Perai.
