THE Federal Government will increase its annual allocation for non-Muslim places of worship from RM50mil to RM80mil next year, says Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Lim Hui Ying.
She said the increase, announced under Budget 2027, reflected the Madani government’s continued commitment to supporting non-Muslim religious institutions and preserving their role in the community.
Lim encouraged temples and other non-Muslim religious organisations to apply for assistance through the proper channels, ensuring that their registration and supporting documents were in order.
Speaking at a presentation ceremony at Yew Bee Estate Tua Pek Kong Temple in Island Glades today, Lim presented a RM30,000 contribution to the temple to support its upgrading and improvement works.
She said the temple, established in 1867, would mark its 160th anniversary next year and had served as more than just a place of worship, playing an important role in bringing the local community together and preserving traditional and cultural heritage.
“The temple was relocated in 2021 to make way for the bypass project, with the relocation and reconstruction process requiring substantial funds and the collective efforts of its committee members and devotees,” she said.
Lim said the temple had since moved into its new premises and continued to improve its facilities.
She said the contribution would be used for improvement works, including the installation of fire doors and other safety facilities.
“Further plans include upgrading the temple’s facilities and potentially installing a lift to make it more accessible to elderly devotees,” she added.
Lim also thanked the temple committee and those involved in facilitating the relocation for maintaining communication and conveying the temple’s needs.
She said the government would continue to support non-Muslim places of worship and urged eligible organisations to submit their applications for consideration.
Seri Delima assemblyman Connie Tan said she was glad that the temple had received the RM30,000 contribution, which would help support its upgrading works and improve its facilities.
Temple committee chairman Ong Hock Keong also thanked Lim for the contribution and the government’s continued support.
Also present were Fundraising Committee chairman Datuk Seri Benny Khor and temple committee members.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alissala Thian