(The Sun) PENANG (April 14, 2008): The Penang state government has decided to gazette, as a policy, a RM1 nominal fee in annual quit rent for all non-profit educational institutions in the state.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said some schools were still paying quit rent according to market rates.
"As far as education is concerned, there should be no discrimination and the state government will accord the same treatment to all schools, regardless if it is a Chinese, Tamil or religious school.
"Education is the key to the future of this country and for the younger generation and we should not discriminate against institutions or schools which provide them with education.
"Just like religious freedom and right to mother tongue, education for all is also enshrined in the federal constitution.
"Some of these schools are government aided but the land does not belong to the government but they are not aware that they are actually eligible for the exemption which is meant for facilities which are for educational, charitable and public purpose.
"I urge these schools and institutions to do the needful so that they would not have to pay market rates in quit rent," Lim told a press conference after receiving a delegation from the United Chinese Schools Committees Association of Malaysia (UCSCAM).
Lim said these institutions or schools can apply via their respective district offices to be eligible for the RM1 nominal fee for quit rent.
Once the schools are given approval with the land titles being stamped with the exemption, they would only be subjected to a review of the rates after 10 years, Lim added.
Lim said the RM1 nominal fee will be brought to the state executive council to be gazetted as a policy decision so all these institutions can enjoy the exemption in future.
The UCSCAM or Dong Zong also proposed that the Penang state government study and amend the structure plan to make the necessary changes to the way land is allocated for schools.
"Allocation of land for schools should be planned for schools of all mediums of instructions.
"Land allocated in housing estates can also be allocated to build schools which are not for profit," said chairman Dr Yap Sin Tian.
He also urged the Penang government to allocate a piece of land which can be developed and proceeds used solely for the purpose of financing privately-run Chinese secondary schools in the state in the long run.
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