Over 1,000 plots forfeited in Pahang over unpaid land tax

New Straits Times

23-04-2025

KUANTAN: Land administrators across Pahang have collected RM1.4 million in penalties from quit rent defaulters and seized 1,082 plots from owners who failed to settle arrears.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said the seizures were made after landowners ignored repeated reminders and failed to act on Notices 6A and 8A.
"To date, 1,082 plots have been forfeited by land administrators statewide. Of these, 838 owners did not make any effort to prevent the seizure after being issued with Notice 8A," he said during the state assembly sitting today.
"Based on our latest records, RM1,437,142 in penalties has been collected from quit rent defaulters."
Wan Rosdy said seizure is only done as a last resort.
"Landowners are given ample time to clear their arrears. They will first be served with Notice 6A. If the arrears remain unpaid, only then will we proceed with Notice 8A, which allows land administrators to seize the land," he said in response to a question from appointed assemblyman Mohd Fadzli Mohd Ramly.
Fadzli had asked about the number of forfeited land plots that were not returned to their owners, and the total amount collected from penalties.
In reply to a supplementary question on whether the state would consider discounts, given the legal burden imposed on defaulters, Wan Rosdy said landowners could appeal.
"We will usually take into account the amount owed, how long the arrears have been outstanding, and the owner's income before deciding on any penalties," he said.
"In most cases, the land administrators will meet with the owners to negotiate a settlement. Once the payment amount is agreed upon, the owners usually accept the terms."