RM36.4 million aid for 338 non-Muslim houses of worship this year: Nga
Published on: Friday, July 26, 2024
Nga (sixth from left), Ewon, Phoong and other leaders posing with church representatives from across Sabah
PENAMPANG: The Government is continuing its initiative to support non-Muslim houses of worship across the country, with a particular focus on Sabah, said Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.
Speaking at a ceremony at the Basel Christian Church Malaysia (BCCM) here Thursday, he said the Government is committed to fostering unity and recognising cultural diversity as a strength of the nation.
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“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the Government has allocated RM50 million for 2024 to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government for the maintenance and renovation of non-Muslim houses of worship.
“This matches the allocation made in 2023, demonstrating the Government’s ongoing commitment to this initiative,” he said.
He said as of July 18, 2024, a total of 338 non-Muslim houses of worship nationwide have been approved for funding, totalling RM36,434,853.69.
In Sabah specifically, 38 such institutions have received approval for assistance amounting to RM5,519,688.55 since 2023.
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During the ceremony, 22 non-Muslim houses of worship received a total of RM3,492,446 in maintenance assistance.
The host venue, BCCM Penampang, was among the beneficiaries of this initiative.
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“To streamline the application process, the Ministry has launched an online system called e-RIBI KPKT, allowing for easier submissions and faster technical evaluations,” he said.
“We want everyone to practise their respective religions as this forms the basis for good moral character, which is the identity of a Madani Society,” he said, emphasising the importance of comfortable and well-equipped religious spaces.
He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to maintaining harmony and unity among different races and religions in Malaysia, emphasising that “diversity is our way of life” and will continue to be upheld by the current administration.
Also present were Cooperatives and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick, Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Phoong Jin Zhe, Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu, Sandakan Member of Parliament Vivian Wong and Kapayan Assemblywoman Jannie Lasimbang, among others.
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