CM outlines nine strategies to increase Penang revenue
These include selling more state land, collecting an estimated RM6mil in quit rent arrears, reviewing land title conversion processes, as well as reviewing liquor licence fees, entertainment duties and hotel room fees.
'The state government is also aiming to reduce expenditure, but costs continue to rise each year due to salary realignments, which increase emoluments,' Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said in reply to a question from Goh Choon Aik (PH-Bukit Tambun) during the state assembly sitting at Penang Legislative Assembly building in George Town.
Other revenue efforts include higher animal treatment fees and revised ornamental plant rental rates at Penang Botanic Gardens.
Chow also touched on the RM100mil advance from the Federal Government which was intended as contingency funds to cover a potential deficit.
'Penang government's projected deficit of over RM500mil for 2024 did not happen due to increased revenue; it was reduced to around RM100mil.
'The advance payment remains available but it must be repaid to the Federal Government,' he said.
In a statement, Penang MCA chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng termed the nine proposed strategies as a move that would eventually burden the public.
'The government's recent announcement to raise taxes, fees and charges – including liquor licence fees, quit rent enforcement and even veterinary service charges – raises concerns over fiscal management under the DAP-led administration.
'These measures will directly impact the daily lives of Penangites, the business community and even tourists,' he said.
Tan said the admission that Penang had to seek over RM100mil in advance from Putrajaya underscored the severity of the state's financial position. — By IMRAN HILMY
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