FIVE non-Islamic places of worship in Seberang Perai received financial aid totalling about RM219,000 from the Penang government today.
State Local Government, Housing and Town & Country Planning Jagdeep Singh presented mock cheques to representatives from Persatuan Penganut Dewa Thee Kong, Kampong Sanglang, Nibong Tebal (RM39,993.80), Persatuan Rumah Berhala Thean Hor Sear Bor Sungai Udang (RM48,956), Persatuan Penganut Dewa Sua Kak Goik Tua Pek Kong Sungai Udang (RM50,000), Rumah Berhala Xianfa Shigong Sungai Udang (RM50,000) and Pertubuhan Dewa Na Tok Kong Sungai Udang (RM29,968.32) in Xianfa Shigong Temple at Sungai Udang, Nibong Tebal.
Jagdeep said the state government has so far disbursed a total of RM 4,988,333.12 from the RIBI fund to 129 non-Islamic places of worship in Penang since 2016.
The fund was set up by the state government to help Chinese and Hindu temples, churches, and gurdwara undergo renovation, upgrading, infrastructure or building works.
“I am happy to present a sum from the RIBI fund to these non-Islamic worship places to assist them to refurbish or renovate for the betterment of the temples.
“I welcome all non-Islamic places of worship that are in need of assistance to apply for the fund with right documents.
“We will consider all the applications applying for RIBI fund and if the applications are in order they are entitled for the financial assistance,” Jagdeep said at the mock cheque handover ceremony.
Also present were Jawi assemblyman H’ng Mooi Lye and MPSP councillor Heng Yeh Shiuan.
Story by K. Thaarshenii
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis