Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow will prepare a report on the new quit rent rates for DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke, following a directive to cease public discussion.

GEORGE TOWN: Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow will prepare a report for DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke regarding the implementation of new quit rent rates. The revised land tax rates took effect on January 1 across the state.

Chow said he will comply with Loke’s directive not to discuss the issue further in the media. He stated this was to avoid negative perceptions impacting the party leadership and state government.

“I want to express my appreciation to the DAP secretary-general for arranging a meeting involving all three parties to discuss the issue of the increase in quit rent rates in Penang,” he said in a statement. The meeting will involve Chow, Loke, and former chief minister Lim Guan Eng.

Chow also urged affected landowners to continue submitting appeals to district and land offices. He specifically mentioned the office of the director of Lands and Mines at Komtar.

Loke said yesterday he would convene the meeting to resolve the ongoing dispute. He described the public spat between the leaders as unhealthy and inappropriate amid current economic uncertainties.

Following this, Lim Guan Eng posted on Facebook that he would temporarily stop making public statements on the issue. He will wait until the three-party meeting is held.

The state government implemented the review of quit rent rates and a gazettement of rural to urban land. This was done in accordance with Section 101 of the National Land Code effective from January 1.

The revision involves nearly 370,000 land titles throughout Penang. It covers various categories including residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural land.

Chow had earlier expressed regret that certain parties sensationalised the increase. He said they did so without fully understanding the calculation method and actual land use involved.

 The Sun Malaysia