‘No one will be left behind': Putrajaya sets aside RM50m for churches, temples nationwide to preserve religious harmony
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the initiative, introduced under the 2025 Budget, aims to ensure that temples, churches and similar sites remain well-maintained and comfortable for worshippers.
Speaking at a grant presentation ceremony at the Basel Christian Church of Malaysia in Petagas, Nga said that as of July 7, RM2.7 million had been approved for 15 RIBI organisations in Sabah, with several other applications still under review.
'I understand that several applications are still being processed and I hope more will be submitted,' he said, adding that the ministry approved RM4.81 million last year for 35 RIBI nationwide to carry out similar works.
Nga reaffirmed the government's commitment to preserving Malaysia's multi-faith society, assuring that the initiative would be implemented in a professional, efficient and transparent manner.
'No one will be left behind. The goal is to ensure these funds are distributed fairly and equitably to those who need them the most,' he said. — Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
25 minutes ago
- The Star
Govt takes frequent action on illegal foreign ownership of small businesses, says Nga
KUALA LUMPUR: More than 3,000 enforcement operations have been carried out against the involvement of foreign nationals at business premises operated by local councils, says Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming. Since 2023, Nga said, 14,384 compound notices had been issued, 23 licences cancelled and 2,880 premises seized for various offences. This includes the illegal transfer of licences and permits to foreign nationals, he said in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (July 28). ALSO READ: Foreign competition puts pressure on local traders 'We are always open to cooperating with other agencies to tackle this issue. Local authorities' jurisdiction is limited only to inspecting a premises' licence. "A consolidated approach together with the Immigration Department and police is very welcome,' he said during Question Time. He also said local councils have never permitted foreign nationals to apply for or own trading licences, involving small trader licences, business premises, sundry shops, restaurants, workshops and markets. ALSO READ: Integrated ops plan to nab foreigners running illegal businesses This was per existing by-laws, he added. Mohd Hasnizan Harun (PN-Hulu Selangor) had asked about the ministry's efforts in tackling the issue of foreign nationals running businesses, especially sundry shops. He also asked about steps taken against businesses registered under Malaysians but fully run by foreign nationals. Nga urged MPs with evidence of foreign nationals running businesses to provide him with the details.
Malay Mail
25 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
Thai acting PM heads to peace talks in Malaysia, accuses Cambodia of bad faith
BANGKOK, July 28 — Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said Monday he does not believe Cambodia is acting 'in good faith' as he departed for peace talks with the country's leader in Malaysia. 'We do not believe Cambodia is acting in good faith, based on their actions in addressing the issue,' Phumtham told reporters at Bangkok airport as cross-border clashes entered their fifth day. 'They need to demonstrate genuine intent, and we will assess that during the meeting.' — AFP
Malay Mail
25 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
Backing Malaysian mediation, Asean urges ‘maximum restraint' in Thai-Cambodia clashes
KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 — Asean foreign ministers have called for an immediate ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia, expressing deep concern over the rising death toll and humanitarian impact along their contested border. In a joint statement, the ministers urged both nations to halt all hostilities and return to dialogue to prevent further casualties and destruction. The ministers pointed to the displacement of thousands and the damage to public property, warning that continued violence risks destabilising the region. 'We emphasise the need for both sides to exercise maximum restraint and undertake an immediate ceasefire,' the statement said. The crisis has escalated rapidly since a Cambodian soldier was killed in late May, triggering weeks of sporadic clashes that reignited last Thursday into the worst fighting in over a decade. More than 30 people have been killed so far, including 13 civilians in Thailand and eight in Cambodia, while over 200,000 have been forced to flee border areas. The joint statement reaffirmed Asean's commitment to resolving disputes through peaceful means based on the Asean Charter, the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), and the United Nations Charter. The ministers expressed full support for efforts by Malaysia, the Asean Chair, to mediate the dispute and bring both sides to the negotiating table. Peace talks between Cambodia and Thailand were scheduled to begin in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, with US officials also present to assist in mediation efforts. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said officials from his State Department are in Malaysia to assist negotiations for a ceasefire. Thailand and Cambodia previously said their representatives would meet in Malaysia today for discussions.
