PENANG has led once more, now with its data collection system for the state’s non-Islamic houses of worship (RIBI).
The digitalisation of the data collection system for non-Islamic houses of worship (eRIBI) was initiated to facilitate the connection between the Penang government and the non-Islamic communities and to make the management of non-Islamic affairs more systematic and orderly.
The eRIBI system project development director Daniel Gooi said the idea to develop the eRIBI system was mooted last year.
“The Penang government fully supported the initiative, and the development of the system took about five months.
“Before the development of the system, a preliminary study has been conducted. The study included identifying RIBI listed in the existing inventory, holding engagement sessions with RIBI representatives, state agencies and stakeholders, procurement works, and identifying experts for the development of the system.
“The development of the eRIBI system is in line with the Penang2030 vision; meeting two strategic initiatives under the state vision, which are, ‘Accelerate programme delivery and institutional reform’ and ‘Integrate municipal services with smart technologies’.
“We thank everyone who is involved in the success of eRIBI. This includes VeecoTech Web and Ecommerce Sdn Bhd which was also involved in the development of eRIBI as part of its corporate social responsibility exercise,” Gooi, who is also the Pengkalan Kota assemblyman, said.
Penang Social Development and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Chong Eng congratulated the state Social Development and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs committee members and Penang Harmony Corporation (Harmonico) for initiating the eRIBI system.
“I believe that the eRIBI system is the first of its kind in Malaysia.
“Penang is concerned about the development of the eRIBI system because the state believes that data is the foundation for state development, whether in terms of formulating policies, Budget preparation or addressing issues faced by RIBI,” she said in her speech at Harmonico today.
Chong Eng said the eRIBI was introduced to serve as a system that records, plans, and helps manage non-Islamic religious affairs more systematically.
“The respective RIBI can update their data and submit applications for allocation through the eRIBI system,” she said, adding that the state government could receive and approve applications for allocation through the eRIBI system.
The eRIBI system also allows the public to browse certain information about the RIBI in Penang according to location or religion category.
Various religious organisations, which were present at the launching of eRIBI, welcomed the system.
Sri Mangalanayagi Amman Temple chairman R. Arikrishnan said the launching of eRIBI was timely and important.
“There are many temples that needed aid, but the records about these temples are mostly scattered. With the eRIBI, the records can be managed more systematically, and aid can be channelled effectively.
“We hope that more temples will support the initiative,” he said.
Wesley Methodist Church pastor Rev Hwa Jen welcomed the system which promotes systematic record-keeping.
“It can help the state to channel assistance to the needy religious bodies in Penang,” he said.
Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia (Penang state liaison) committee chairman Lim Kok Aun said the eRIBI system enables the public to also offer their help to the needy RIBI.
“Some people may want to help the RIBI after getting to know more information about them. The public can get to know about the RIBI from the system,” he said.
The Penang Baha’i Centre representative Chew Beng Cheong said the eRIBI would be a platform for the public to obtain accurate information about RIBI in Penang.
“The development of this system shows that the Penang government is genuine in promoting harmony, unity, and inclusiveness,” he said.
Also present were State Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Datuk Dr Amar Pritpal Abdullah, Pulau Tikus assemblyman Chris Lee, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim, Seri Delima assemblyman Syerleena Abdul Rashid, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng, Harmonico manager Paul Au, Digital Penang chief executive officer Tony Yeoh, and VeecoTech Web and Ecommerce Sdn Bhd managing director Alain Lye.
For more details, visit https://eribi.gov.my/
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Alissala Thian