BALIK PULAU April 17, 2026— A 1.065-acre piece of inherited kampung land in Permatang Batu, jointly owned by seven siblings, has seen a successful land tax appeal. The tax amount, which had skyrocketed from RM12 to RM34,613, has been reduced to just RM50 per year.
The increase represented a surge of up to 2,883 times or 288,300 percent, leaving the landowners shocked and helpless as they were unable to bear the heavy financial burden.
According to Bagan Member of Parliament Lim Guan Eng, his office assisted the family in submitting an appeal to the Land and Mines Office. Following the appeal, the authorities agreed to lower the land tax to RM50 — a reduction of approximately 98.5 percent. This new rate will be maintained for at least the next 10 years.
One of the landowners, Puan Norliza, 57, who lives on the land with her husband, Encik Mohd Azlan, 67, recounted their family’s distressing experience. They shed tears and felt utterly powerless upon receiving the massively inflated tax bill. Her sister had even visited the Land Office in tears to submit the appeal.
“In our desperation, my child watched Lim Guan Eng’s TikTok video about assistance with land tax appeals and immediately contacted his service centre for help. Now, we are extremely grateful because the RM50 rate is reasonable,” she said.
Lim Guan Eng expressed his satisfaction at being able to ease the burden on the people. He had previously raised the issue of land tax during a meeting with Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, particularly for land that does not generate income, such as public areas, schools, places of worship, cemeteries, vacant land, as well as traditional village houses or new kampung houses.
“I proposed that land tax for this category be set at a nominal rate of RM50 per lot only. If the rate is increased, the burden will ultimately fall on the rakyat. An immediate solution is urgently needed,” he stressed.
He also urged all landowners affected by the tax hike to seize the opportunity to submit their appeals before the deadline on 30 April 2026. Appeals can still be made even if the tax has already been paid, and if successful, any overpayment will be refunded by the Land Office.
“Some landowners still believe that having paid the tax prevents them from appealing. In reality, appeals can still be submitted, and many have already successfully obtained reductions in their land tax through this process,” Lim explained.
The press conference was also attended by Bagan Dalam State Assemblyman Kumaran Krishnan, Majlis Bandaraya Seberang Perai (MBSP) Councillors Linggeswaran Charmar and Dr Lingeshwaran.
The issue of increased land tax (quit rent) in Penang has been a hot topic since early 2026, with numerous reported cases showing multi-fold increases that burden kampung landowners and residential property owners. Many owners are now taking advantage of the appeal window before the deadline.
Puan Norliza’s family expressed their deepest gratitude to Lim Guan Eng and his team for the swift assistance provided.
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