 In October 1940 he was appointed Magistrate at Penang.Finally, after years of waiting, Koon-Teck's application was addressed.Headlined "Mr. Lim Koon Teck Now In Colonial Service," the Straits Times reported, "It is understood that Mr. Lim Koon Teck, third magistrate, Penang has been promoted to Colonial Legal Service from the Straits Settlements Legal Service."