GEORGE TOWN, April 1 -- Penang has moved to ease the burden on certain landowners by reducing annual quit rent charges after complaints over steep increases under the state's revised rates.

According to Free Malaysia Today (FMT), the state executive council has agreed to lower charges for older land titles used for business and industrial purposes, particularly those without planning approval.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said such plots often involved temporary structures, depots and lorry sites, with more than 800 cases identified. 

"They cannot enjoy two big discounts," he was quoted as saying today, explaining that the affected group would not qualify for the 50 per cent rebate given to most other landowners this year.

He add...