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PENANG Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has told his critics not to worry unduly as he is one of the hardest-working elected representatives, who goes down to the ground daily as part of widespread public engagement.
Chow said that his team prepares a regular reach-out programme, and he confirmed that he is definitely on the ground almost daily.
"I can definitely confirm that I am always on the ground, especially during Ramadan, when I visited the five districts. Don't worry, I am aware of the ongoing developments," Chow told his detractors here.
Earlier, his predecessor, Lim Guan Eng, the Bagan Member of Parliament, had urged Chow to go down to the ground to meet those aggrieved with the state's decision to hike the quit rent rates for some ratepayer segments here.
It is believed that the main grievances over the quit rent, which was allegedly hiked between 10% to 500%, hailed from the commercial and industrial segments.
Chow also revealed that during his constituency visits, ratepayers hardly approached him to complain about the steep hike in quit rents.
"Maybe they are hesitant to approach me, but during the breaking of fast community events, hardly anyone lodged complaints with me over the quit rent."
Chow agreed with state executive councillor Goh Choon Aik, who was present, that the issue is complicated due to the subdivision of the land titles, which have taken place to reflect the true use of the land.
Chow said that the quit rent is a simplified calculation based on the land use and size, as well as the location and title status.
"It is not that complicated," said Chow.
On the presence of illegal structures, especially within the Seberang Prai City Council (MBSP)'s jurisdiction, Chow replied that the state prefers the diplomatic approach of coaxing the land owners and leaseholders to legalise their operations.
It is better than too harsh an action, said Chow, but if there is an urgent need, the state has no choice but to act sternly, especially if the parties ignored advice.
Chow said that the governance of Penang is not strictly based on the manifesto which the ruling coalition of Pakatan Harapan (PH) had introduced in the last election, citing that there are times the state needs to adjust to meet expectations.
For example, the manifesto did not take into account the consequences of Covid - 19 or now the war in Iran, as they are external situations, which can still impact the economy of Penang, said Chow. - March 19, 2026.