THE number of unauthorised non-Islamic houses of worship (RIBIs) built without approval in Penang has declined as of May this year.
Penang Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim attributed the drop to continuous monitoring efforts by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP).
“As of May this year, the number of unapproved RIBI sites recorded by MBPP has decreased to 115, while MBSP has recorded 21 such sites.
“Between 2023 and 2024, a total of 43 unauthorized RIBIs were identified within the MBSP area, while MBPP recorded 149 sites.
“This indicates that our data updating and monitoring efforts have had a positive impact in addressing this issue,” Lim (PH–Sungai Pinang) said in response to an oral question from Amir Hamzah Abdul Hashim @ Md Hashim (PN–Permatang Pasir) during the Penang Legislative Assembly session today.
Lim added that the state government will increase engagement sessions with RIBI associations to explain the importance of submitting official applications before constructing any structure.
“As an early approach, the state government plans to work closely with the Registrar of Societies (ROS).
“This collaboration is crucial to encourage all RIBIs to register detailed information, which will assist the state in maintaining an official record of every RIBI,” she said.
She further stated that the state government will introduce clear policies requiring all RIBI construction or renovation projects to obtain planning permission and building plan approval through the state’s One-Stop Centre (OSC).
“This is to ensure that the design, structure, and location of such buildings comply with the Uniform Building By-Laws (UBBL) and the approved land use plans,” Lim explained.
Lim also provided an update that as of now, six RIBI structures — mostly small shrines and minor structures encroaching on state reserve land — have been subjected to enforcement action.
Story by Riadz Akmal