The land belonging to the Provincial Secretariat of the Sisters of Infant Jesus, the landowner of three convent schools in Penang allegedly facing closure, will not be sold to a private developer, a reliable source told Malaysiakini.

The source, who is familiar with the issue, said the plots of land will still be owned by the current owner, who has plans to develop the schools further.

"It is learnt that the schools will be converted to international private schools under the management of the owners," the source said.

"This follows the drop in enrolment for convent schools. By converting the schools into international schools, the owners would have more control of its management," added the source.

The source further assured that the land "remains in good hands."

Earlier today, it was reported that the three schools - the Convent Light Street, its primary school and Convent Pulau Tikus, were facing impending closure and rumours were rife that the land may be sold to private developers.

Pulau Tikus DAP assemblyperson Yap Soo Huey, who highlighted the issue on her Facebook page yesterday, also expressed concern over the matter, urging those involved not to keep the public in the dark over the matter.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has since said the state government will not approve building plans on the land if they are submitted by a developer.

Meanwhile, Penang Education Department director Shaari Osman was quoted saying in The Sun that there is no confirmation that the convent schools would be closed but said the owners have informed the department of their intention to take back the land.

Shaari said his department has issued a letter on Nov 1, instructing the schools to stop new student intakes.

Convent Light Street was founded in 1852 and is the oldest convent in Southeast Asia, while Convent Pulau Tikus was founded in the early 1900s.

Malaysiakini has contacted the owners of the school and land and was told they will issue a statement soon.