The Penang State Government has forfeited 413 land lots across the state since 2020 after owners failed to settle outstanding land tax arrears.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said Seberang Perai Selatan recorded the highest number of forfeited lots at 114, followed by Seberang Perai Utara (96), Barat Daya (76), Timur Laut (71) and Seberang Perai Tengah with 56 lots.

“The forfeiture action was taken because landowners failed to pay the required land tax despite the issuance of administrative notices and Form 6A notices by the respective District and Land Offices,” he said during the Second Meeting of the Third Term of the 15th Penang State Legislative Assembly on Wednesday.

Chow (DAP–Padang Kota) was responding in writing to a question from Bukhori Ghazali (PAS–Pinang Tunggal) on the list of forfeited land lots and the appeal procedures available to reclaim them.

He added that the forfeiture process was carried out in accordance with Sections 97 and 100 of the National Land Code (Act 828).

Chow further explained that original landowners who wish to reclaim their forfeited land may submit an application for cancellation of forfeiture to the State Authority (PBN) under Section 133 of the National Land Code.

“The State Authority may impose a penalty of up to six times the amount of outstanding land rent as a condition for cancelling the forfeiture.

“Only the original landowner prior to forfeiture is eligible to apply,” he said.