THE RIBI (non-Islamic houses of worship) fund has disbursed nearly RM8.5 million since it was set up in 2016 until today to help churches, temples (Hindu and Chinese) and gurdwaras in Penang.
State Local Government, Housing, Town and Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said the state would continue to assist the houses of worship to maintain their premises.
“We have disbursed RM8,479,409.44 million as of today.
“They include a total of RM1,645,688.80 million allocated for churches, RM2,199,460 million for Hindu temples, RM4,184,870.64 million for Chinese temples and RM449,390 for gurdwaras,’’ said Jagdeep during a press conference at the Cantonese Methodist Church (CMC) today.
During the visit, Jagdeep presented RM50,000 from the RIBI fund to assist CMC with its maintenance work.
“We are happy to be here to present our contribution of RM50,000 from the RIBI fund to assist CMC with the rewiring works. This would help to conserve and preserve the building structure.
“And in year 2016, we have also approved CMC’s application for the RIBI fund whereby we disbursed RM21,500 for the road upgrading work located in front of the church building.
“This 54-year-old church building was inaugurated by Bishop R.F. Lundy on 30th September 1967.
“Eligible RIBIs that need financial assistance to renovate or to build new RIBIs can apply for the RIBI fund,’’ he added.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Chan Kok Kuan