The Penang government has disbursed a total of RM 4,988,333.12 from the RIBI fund to 136 non-Islamic places of worship in Penang as of today.
The RIBI (non-Islamic places of worship) fund, which is an initiative by exco member for Local Government, Housing and Town & Country Planning Jagdeep Singh, was set-up in the 2016 with the intention of helping temples (Chinese & Hindu), churches and gurdwaras concerning infrastructure upgrade and building works.
Today, Jagdeep presented the RIBI fund to the St Paul’s Church in Macalister Road. The church was hit by flood in Nov 4 and 5 last year.
“I am happy to present a sum of RM32,742.80 from the RIBI fund to St Paul’s Church following an application received from the church.
“The 106-year-old church suffered losses due to the flood. This aid will be able to lighten the financial burden incurred.
“As of now, the RIBI fund has a balance of RM3,804,146.78 and I welcome all non-Islamic places of worship that are in need of assistance to apply for the fund,” Jagdeep said at the cheque handover ceremony.
Jagdeep also shared his intention to seek Federal aid to contribute to the state’s RIBI fund.
“I will be asking for some allocation from the Federal Government for the RIBI fund.
“By providing allocation for RIBI, the Federal Government is also playing a part in assisting such places,” Jagdeep added.
Also present were St Paul’s Church priest Stephen Soe and its committee members.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Alissala Thian